Guyana has opened another overseas mission as it seeks to expand its diplomatic footprint worldwide to match the country’s rising profile in the wake of its significant oil and gas discoveries.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) in a release announced that Guyana’s embassy in Qatar was officially opened yesterday by President Irfaan Ali. He stated that having a mission in Qatar would help both countries embark on a journey of “enhanced” bilateral relationship.
President Ali is in Doha, Qatar on an official visit. He is accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and other officials.
Reporting on the event, the Doha News in an article quoted Guyana’s president as saying, “We both promote peace, stability and sustainability… I want to thank all of our friends who are here to celebrate this momentous occasion.”
According to the release, Ali thanked the Emir of Qatar, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his support to Guyana. “We are truly grateful and, as a nation, we pray for the continued prosperity and good health for the government, leadership and the people of Qatar.” He also took the opportunity to express his administration’s aim to diversify Guyana’s economy and make it one of the most competitive economies globally.
The Doha News also stated that prior to Tuesday’s inauguration, the Guyanese president stressed the importance of developing bilateral trade in various sectors, including oil, gas and food security.
So far, President Ali has met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, the DPI stated. Their discussion centred on several areas of mutual cooperation. President Ali also presented paintings from local artist Dillon Craig to the senior Qatari government officials.
Bilateral discussions were also held with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Engineer Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi; Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani; and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, represented by its First Vice Chairman, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Twar Al-Kuwari.
During an engagement with Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, Guyana’s leadership in climate change was highlighted and the potential role Qatar can play.
Guyana’s Head of State also met with the chairman of Qatar Tourism and Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker. The two reportedly discussed enhancing Guyana’s reach and the country’s tourism product.
In 2020, Qatar and Guyana inked an Air Services Agreement on the sidelines of the 40th General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal, Canada. The agreement promoted the movement of goods and people of both countries.
Qatar and Guyana established diplomatic relations in 1996 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in numerous fields, including climate change and energy, the release added.
