Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman met with the Australian High Commissioner to Guyana along with other Australian diplomats, where the two countries pledged their support to strengthen bilateral ties in support of the oil and gas sector.
Trotman met with High Commissioner John Pilbeam along with Deputy Foreign Minister and Trade Secretary of Australia, Penny Williams on Friday.
Minister Raphael Trotman and High Commissioner, John Pilbeam and Deputy Foreign Minister Penny Williams during the visit
Discussions were had on a number of issues, mainly those related to the oil and gas sector and gold production.
Speaking on Guyana’s gold production, Minister Trotman told the Australian diplomats that he is impressed with the works of Troy Resources, the Australian gold company.
Trotman noted that the company’s contribution was instrumental towards Guyana’s achievement of a record breaking gold production year in 2016.
The Natural Resources Minister also highlighted the company’s commitment to health and safety, not only for its employees but also of persons who reside in the communities in which that company operates.
However, the discussion also included conversations on the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Fund enables Guyana to obtain long-term benefit from its oil and mineral resources.
Minister Trotman noting that this Fund will be managing revenues not only from oil and gas but also from mining and forestry, with a view of enhancing transparency in all natural resources sectors.
Trotman used the opportunity to express his appreciation that Guyana is receiving for management of the oil and gas sector.
He added that at this point in time, it is important for persons to be trained in the oil and gas sector, highlighting Government’s willingness to receive support from Australia. The Australian diplomats also expressed their willingness to cooperate with and support Guyana at this time. Williams, who was appointed to her current post in February 2017, also pledged Australia’s support for Guyana regarding the nation’s territorial integrity. Since Guyana and Australia established diplomatic ties on May 14, 1973, relations between the two countries have been concentrated mainly on interactions at the multilateral level through fora such as the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
There remains great potential for increased bilateral cooperation in the areas of education/training, agriculture, trade, tourism, security, health and in environment and climate change related matters.
