Dear Editor,
The last state visit by a Guyanese head of state to the Middle East was in November 1996 when the late President Cheddi Jagan visited Syria, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. Now a decade later, there is much talk about President Bharrat Jagdeo’s upcoming visit to the Middle East. This highly anticipated trip of the President has been delayed several times mainly because of unfolding events in this turbulent region. This tour of the Middle East may include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. It will also signal the first visit of a Guyanese head of state to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which could pave the way for diplomatic relations and could possibly usher in a new era of bilateral collaboration in economic and cultural exchange. Guyana already has a religious connection with Saudi Arabia, since Muslims make up about 11 percent of Guyana’s total population, and Saudi Arabia is the home of Mekkah and Madina, two of Islam’s holiest cities. Additionally, Guyana is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which is headquartered in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s geo-political significance lies in its strategic location covering almost the entire Arabian Peninsula, being the world’s largest producer of crude oil, it can wield enormous economic power in OPEC as well as over the developed and developing countries. The new Saudi King visited India, China, South Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia recently. It was the first visit to India by a Saudi King in 50 years. His approval of India joining the OIC demonstrates his acknowledgement of India as a global political and economic force to be reckoned with; he is also very keen in expanding south-south cooperation, which could prove very beneficial to Guyana.
In February 2007, more than 50 finance and planning ministers from the OIC member states convened to inaugurate the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) with an initial capital of $3 billion. Stronger ties with the OIC will enable Guyana to tap into this newly created capital fund which is designed to develop trade and finance in the 57 member countries.
Guyana is not yet a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and it is still to appoint an ambassador to the OIC. Meanwhile, Guyana is a member of the OIC which is the first prerequisite to join the IsDB. There is strong indication that Guyana will join the IsDB because the terms of loans are very generous.
Recently, President Bharrat Jagdeo reminded Guyanese Muslims that he not only values their views on matters regarding their religion, but also those of national importance (GINA). “I value very highly your contribution and advice on any matter, not just on Islam, but on managing the country and on international affairs and I promise you we would take seriously the presentations,” (GINA). The Muslim community is urging him to undertake a state visit to the Middle East, appoint a permanent representative to the OIC which will broaden Guyana’s ties with the Islamic world, and join the IsDB which will also be economically and politically advantageous for Guyana.
The UAE and Qatar are now the economic powerhouses of the Middle East. The UAE have been expanding investments in North Africa, Pakistan, Iran, and South America. It has also invested over US$5 billion in mega projects in Morocco. The UAE has a diversified economy which is estimated to grow at a rate of 9.7% annually. There is emphasis on political and economic devolution, investment in infrastructure, trade liberalization, and improved business and labour laws. The GDP is approximately $28,147 and tourism is the major sector. It is not an exaggeration to say that Guyana can solicit investments from these two economic giants in the tourism and oil sectors. The Guyanese leader should make special efforts to attract foreign investment and make successful visits to the seven-member United Arab Emirates (UAE) with this oil-rich federation committing itself to pursue trade links with Guyana.
Kuwait has written off Guyana’s debt owed to that country and Libya is keen in expanding economic and cultural ties with Guyana. Since 1997 to 2004 Guyana received a total of US$8.93 in debt write off from Arab agencies. In addition, in 1998 Guyana received $7.96 million in aid from Arab agencies, and another $30,000 in 1999 from Arab countries (Source: OECD Secretariat). This may not be much but with strengthened strategic partnerships Guyana can solicit more funds from the Middle East.
Guyana recently hosted a successful Rio Summit and now the infrastructure is in place it can host similar events in the near future. It would be ideal to host an OIC meeting some time in the near future whereby Guyana can showcase its multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. This will be an historical event since it would be first of an OIC meeting being held in South America. Pakistan is hosting the 34th Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) from May 15-17 in Islamabad and it is our hope that Guyana will attend this meeting. The last ICFM meeting was held in Baku, Azerbaijan and Guyana was not represented.
Yours faithfully,
R. Chickrie
In Morocco
