Guyana, UAE ink MoU to advance technical assistance, cooperation

As Guyana continues to strengthen relations with its Middle East allies on the sidelines of the Dubai World Expo 2020, the country has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to advance technical assistance and cooperation between the two nations.

This was done during a meeting held on Thursday between President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. That meeting was aimed at advancing closer relations between the two countries, and to discuss key areas of technical cooperation.
In a statement coming from the Office of the President, it was noted that among the areas discussed were food security, climate change, the environment, technology and infrastructure, and revising the visa policy for both countries.
President Ali, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Sheikh and Her Excellency Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimy, the Minister of International Cooperation and Managing Director of Expo2020 Dubai.
“We came with a clear intention to extend the foundation of the relationship that we want to grow and expand for the betterment of both the UAE and Guyana,” President Ali said.
He explained that since arriving in Dubai, the delegation has engaged in discussions with many agencies, including the Abu Dhabi Ports.
The President noted that the visit has already proven successful, as several additional engagements have been planned in the coming months to advance discussions in technical cooperation in a number of areas.
During the discussions, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured the Guyanese President of the UAE’s support to strengthen bilateral relations.
The two countries also committed to setting a tangible results-based agenda moving forward.
Guyana’s Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, non-resident Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Guyana, Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi, and Ambassador and Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, George Hallaq, accompanied President Ali.
Immediately following the discussions, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was inked to advance closer technical cooperation between the UAE and Guyana. This was signed by Minister Singh and Minister Reem Al-Hashimy at the UAE Pavilion at the Expo.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates on February 9, 2006. The Ministry’s role focuses on maintaining clear political positions that support the UAE’s relationships with its regional and international partners, while promoting the UAE as a regional leader in different fields. Also, as Foreign Minister, he focuses on establishing specialised diplomatic capabilities and encouraging political talents to address international concerns and provide distinct consular and other services in looking after UAE nationals and the issues they may face during their travels.
Meanwhile, President Ali on Wednesday also engaged officials of Elite Agro of the UAE, to discuss investments opportunities in Guyana’s agriculture sector.
Elite Agro is one of the largest producers of fresh vegetables and fruits in the Arab region, with large-scale farms in UAE, Serbia and Morocco.
In addition to the Abu Dhabi Ports, the Guyanese Head of State also met with representatives from the UAE-based Al Habtoor Group LLC, which provides engineering and construction services. The Company also operates in the hospitality, automotive, real estate and education sectors.
During the meeting, discussions were held on investment opportunities in Guyana’s hospitality, real estate, agriculture, eco-tourism, infrastructure and housing sectors.
Additionally, Guyana has also secured an agreement for the establishment of a Guyana Trade Office in Dubai, and has also touted the creation of a new logistics hub for the UAE in Guyana.