Govt discusses strengthening relations with Canada

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee paid a courtesy call on President Irfaan Ali at State House on Monday.

The Head of State used the opportunity to express profound gratitude to the Canadian Government and the Canadian High Commissioner for their unwavering support for democracy in Guyana.
“We are aware that your county contributed significantly in terms of resources and personnel in achieving what we achieved. I want to thank you, High Commissioner, for your personal commitment to democracy. We owe you, and the rest of the world, not only a debt of gratitude, but we will ensure that we do not let our partners down, in any way, shape, or form. The people of your country need to know 40 years from now, 50 years from now where you stood and the role you played,” the President noted.
Their discussions centred on strengthening relations in several key areas across all sectors in Guyana, including oil and gas, agriculture, training and capacity building and investment opportunities.
The Canadian High Commissioner acknowledged the benefits of the collaboration between the two countries over the years and assured of a strengthened partnership moving forward.
Canada-Guyana business relations encompass a plethora of trade initiatives which include agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The two countries also share extensive people-to-people ties: the Guyanese Diaspora in Canada is estimated to be around 200,000 (2018). Guyana also benefits from bilateral funding through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives; and Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development Programme, which also supports Caribbean collaboration and integration efforts.