PM discusses security, ICT, mining, hydropower with French Ambassador

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips praised the relationship between Guyana and France, during a visit by Non-Resident Ambassador Antoine Joly.
The two officials met at a reception held at Cara Lodge in Georgetown in honour of the upcoming French National Day (Bastille Day), which is formally observed on July 14.
During his remarks, the Prime Minister said that it was imperative that both countries continued to embrace and develop their well-established relationship, through many shared areas of mutual interests.
“As we celebrate your country’s National Day, it is appropriate for Guyana and France to recommit to working together for the well-being and prosperity of our peoples”.

He indicated that the two nations could collaborate in ICT, agriculture, mining, hydropower electricity, and on “objectives of sustainable development and clean renewable energy development”, the Prime Minister is quoted as saying in a statement from his office.
He added that he was also looking forward to increased cooperation in the area of security.
“The recent signature of the letter of intent on cooperation in the field of defence will provide impetus for enhanced security cooperation.”
The French military only recently participated in Operations Tradewinds 2021; a multilateral military exercise hosted in Guyana last month.
Ambassador Joly also spoke of partnerships and pointed out that since France, through French Guiana, shares the Guiana Shield with Guyana, there are many areas of mutual interest.
“The wish of French Guiana to be more present and involved in the region will not be at the expense of your other strategic partners, but complementary based on our comparative advantages, we are neighbours confronted with the same challenges, we share the Guiana Shield and just like you, we value it and want to protect it.”

According to Ambassador Joly, he decided to cancel the French National Day celebrations in Guyana in 2019 after the previous Administration had procrastinated in acknowledging the no-confidence motion against them and subsequently in 2020, due to the difficulty of obtaining the results of the national elections.
“This year, despite the COVID-19 situation, which explains the limited format, I’m happy to celebrate with you, the return of Guyana in the rule of law and democracy; principles that join those of our National Day of freedom, equality and brotherhood,” Ambassador Joly stated.
Also present at Thursday’s event were Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira.