Guyana will profit tremendously from the institution of a permanent mechanism of cooperation between Turkey and the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC), Foreign Affairs Minister and Vice President Carl Greenidge has revealed.
The agreement was inked during a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on April 21, 2017, and involved a quartet of Foreign Ministers consisting past Chair from Ecuador; the current Chair from El Salvador; the outgoing Chair from The Dominican Republic; and the Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) from Guyana.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge
Greenidge who was part of the team that visited the country said on Wednesday, the two entities will explore possibilities of cooperation in the field of energy, including joint exploration of mineral and geothermal resources as well as renewable energy.
The Minister noted that Turkey has been increasing its footprint as a donor state and has been investing in the Latin American and Caribbean region, while lauding the support that Guyana would have received in the past in the areas of health and education.
According to him, it was agreed that the trade volume between Turkey and CELAC member states will be brought to a level that corresponds with their economic potential, and that both parties to conclude bilateral and multilateral agreements such as Agreements of Avoidance of Double Taxation and Trade Agreements.
Bearing in mind the need of encouraging international cooperation in matters of the fight against terrorism, the two have also decided to promote the exchange of information, best practices and policies. The goal is to strengthen cyber-security measures in order to contain online radicalisation.
Greenidge said the importance of intercultural and interreligious dialogue in tackling the rising challenges of extremism was also raised during the meeting. It was therefore agreed too, that both parties will work closely to attain greater cross-cultural understanding that will create an atmosphere for mutual respect.
Another issue of importance discussed was climate change and the need for strengthening cooperation in environmental issues such as coordination and deforestation.
Greenidge noted that Turkey is an important and rising geo-economic influence in the world and serves as a socio-cultural, political and economic bridge between Europe and the Middle East and more generally, between East and West and the need for Guyana and the region to capitalise on the benefits.
