Guyana, France to begin programmes in defence, climate change, food security

…as Working Group agrees on timelines; follow-up meeting to be held by year end

Collaboration between Guyana and France is fast advancing, with the Joint Working Group that was set up to pursue areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries meeting for the first time and successfully agreeing on specific programmes in areas such as defence and climate change, as well as timelines.

This was announced by Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, in a statement on Tuesday. It was revealed that representatives from the Government of Guyana and the Government of France convened the Inaugural Guyana-France Joint Working Group Meeting on May 29, 2024, virtually.
Persaud, who co-chaired the meeting, revealed that the discussions were focused on building cooperation in defence, regional security, climate change, food security, infrastructure development, technology and tourism.
“The Joint Working Group agreed to a timeline for initiating programmes in the aforementioned areas and to meet in the last quarter of 2024 to evaluate progress. Both delegations committed to the continued engagement aimed at fostering closer relations between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the French Republic,” Persaud said.
In addition to Persaud representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the French side was represented by the French Director of the Americas and the Caribbean, from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Michèle Ramis. The delegations of both countries also included other representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.
Back in March, Guyana and France had signed a Communique in which they agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to strengthen collaboration in areas such as defence, climate change, food security, infrastructure, technology, and tourism.
The two countries also benefitted from further interactions when the third Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue got underway in Georgetown on Monday. The Guiana Shield includes Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, parts of Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.
Following the signing of the communique, it had been announced that France will be opening an embassy in Guyana next year. 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 would be the first European Union (EU) country with this level of diplomatic representation in Guyana.
Additionally, France and Guyana have shared a 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 had 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 had 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.
A letter of intent was subsequently signed last month, with the aim of procuring the vessel, between the Guyana Government and the leading French aluminum shipbuilding company at the Finance Ministry on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
Based on that letter, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will soon acquire an Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) 190 valued at EU$39.5 million from OCEA S. A. The inked agreement covered the manufacturing of the vessel, a comprehensive logistics package with spears, and five years of maintenance of the product.
Also, officials of the French Development Agency (AFD) were in Guyana in August 2023, and had exploratory discussions with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on opportunities for partnerships.
Only in February, the Guyanese and French militaries had agreed to conduct increased joint training, with more units of the local military slated to be engaged. At the time, GDF Colonel General Staff, Kenlloyd Roberts and a team of officers welcomed French Captain (Navy) Laurent Martin and his team for a courtesy call at Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.