Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge is optimistic about Guyana/Brazil relations under new Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and says the relationship with Brasilia remains a priority.
Greenidge attended the January 1 inauguration ceremony of the far-right president and said his presence consolidates existing ties between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Brazil is an important ally especially at a time when there is so much instability in the world,” Greenidge was quoted as saying. “Most importantly, it is our largest immediate neighbour and our relationship with the State is a priority,” he added.
“I wouldn’t expect there to be a shift as regards Guyana because our relations have not been unstable. We have strong common interests bilaterally and regionally,” he further added.
While in Brasilia, Greenidge met with his Brazilian counterpart, Ernesto Araujo, with whom he discussed the Guyana/Venezuela controversy and other areas of mutual interest, the statement said. The minister also used the opportunity to meet with Ambassadors of Caribbean states there, and briefed them on developing issues including the Venezuelan controversy and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
He also held similar discussions with the United States National Security Council’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Senior Director, Mauricio Claver-Carones.
Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil, George Talbot, meanwhile, underscored the nature of existing relations with Brazil, which he says spans decades.
“We recently celebrated 50 years of fruitful relations across different administrations on both sides. I expect that to continue and be further strengthened even as a new Government assumes office in Brasilia,” he was quoted as saying.
Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968. Cooperation covers a broad range of areas including trade, health, agriculture, transport and security matters. One of the most tangible joint projects is the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, the design for which will soon go out to tender, the statement said.
