Guyana, Chile explore areas for cooperation

Guyana and Chile Presidents are exploring ways to improve co-operation between the two countries. Guyana’s President, David Granger is expected to visit Chile later in the year to concretise agreements.

The Heads of State met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Thirty-seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

They agreed: to decide on a mutually convenient date for the visit of His Excellency David Granger to the Republic of Chile in October/November 2016, to finalise negotiations on two bilateral agreements between Guyana and Chile during the visit: The Open Skies/Air Services Agreement and the Reciprocal Agreement for the Abolition of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports.

Speaking to the media following his meeting with Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet, President Granger said of particular interest to Guyana, is Chile’s expertise and experience in maritime administration and their regulatory framework for the mining sector.

“In terms of our own relations, we know that Chile, particularly the President of Chile, Madam Michelle Bachelet, is committed to poverty reduction, is committed to peaceful resolution of conflicts and also she is committed to reducing the adverse effects of climate change. As you know, the CARICOM Region is an extension of the maritime zone and Chile has a long coastline and has much experience so there are many areas of cooperation [to explore]. Chile has one of the most successful mining enterprises in the world. It’s a major copper producer and we are looking at building a stronger regulatory framework in our sector… so there are many areas of functional cooperation as well as economic cooperation and Chile is an ideal partner with the Caribbean in this regard,” President Granger said.

The two Presidents reviewed the existing bilateral relations between Guyana and Chile and agreed to continue working closely to expand and strengthen collaboration not only at the bilateral level, but also at the regional level within the context of the Union of South American States (UNASUR), Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Meanwhile, in a joint communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chilean representatives, it was noted that President Bachelet highlighted the political importance of the presence of the Embassy of Chile in Guyana, to fostering better relations.

President Bachelet emphasised the pivotal role Chile plays in responding to the challenges faced by countries in the Caribbean through the promotion of cooperation and technical assistance. The sharing of best practices and experiences with Guyana and other countries of the Caribbean region in areas of common interest are central to the promotion of economic and inclusive social development.

The two Heads of State have also agreed to maintain strong collaboration with a view of promoting mutual trust and ensuring that the principle of peaceful solutions to controversies, continues to prevail between South American States and to support as far as possible the candidatures of both countries for key regional and international positions.

President Bachelet reiterated the commitment of the Government of Chile to further strengthen ties with all CARICOM member countries.