France will be opening an embassy in Guyana next year. This has been announced in a joint communique on Tuesday, following a meeting on Monday between President Dr Irfaan Ali and France’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné at State House.
According to the communique, given their desire to forge closer links, the two countries have decided to write a new chapter by France opening an embassy in Georgetown in 2025. France will be the first EU country with this level of diplomatic representation in Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and France’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Séjourné sharing a light moment at State House on Monday (Office of the President photo)
France opening an embassy, the communique has said, would boost the development of cooperation in various sectors, including in the economy, in priority areas for Guyana where French companies hold renowned expertise. This embassy would also contribute to strengthening ties between Guyana and French Guiana, as well as French relations with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which is headquartered in Georgetown, the statement read.
The Government of Guyana has since said it looks forward to the opening of this embassy, which signals the benefits of economic transformation being experienced by the nation, and the interest of France in developing its relations with the Caribbean region.
This move, both countries have agreed, would help strengthen the integration of France’s overseas territories in the region, and illustrate France’s ambition to consolidate the universal character of its diplomatic network.
Defence/security
Additionally, France and Guyana have shared commitment to democratic values and respect for international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Both countries are fully engaged in peacekeeping initiatives, the communique has said, adding that both countries are keen to strengthen cooperation to ensure the security and stability of the Guiana Shield, and combat organised crime in the region.
The two countries are also engaged in efforts to tackle climate-related issues and protect Amazonia, which is a priority for both countries, given their connection to the Amazon region.
It has been agreed at the meeting that a joint working group would be established to identify priorities to deepen cooperation in the areas of defence, climate change, food security, infrastructure, technology, and tourism.
As part of the ongoing security cooperation, Guyana announced the acquisition of maritime patrol assets from France. This is a further illustration of the commitment of the two sides to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
In August 2023, officials of the French Development Agency (AFD) were in Guyana, and had exploratory discussions with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on opportunities for partnerships. French President Emmanuel Macron is currently on a three-day visit to Brazil.
According to a Reuters report, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will meet Macron in Belem, near the mouth of the Amazon River, where the two will visit conservation parks with sustainable development projects, and meet with Indigenous leaders.
