Policymakers must create environment for developmental opportunities – President Ali

State Visit to Suriname…

…says Guyana, Suriname relations will unlock massive economic prospects

Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali has posited that, as policymakers, political leaders owe it to their people to create an enabling environment for developmental opportunities.

The President made the remarks last evening during his address at a dinner reception hosted by Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and First Lady Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry to usher in the country’s 45th Independence Anniversary.
President Ali is leading a high-level delegation to the Dutch-speaking republic on his first overseas visit since taking office in August. He is expected to return to Guyana today.

Ali hailed the strengthened cooperation between Guyana and Suriname as a milestone in bilateral relations, which has economic and human resources’ potential that would positively impact the Guiana Shield.
The President pointed to the importance of necessary investment, efficient business structure, greater connectivity, and about bridging the existing gaps towards social cohesion. He said these components would also contribute to enhanced private sector participation.
“Today, both of our countries present exciting opportunities for the private sector. We have the duty as leaders, as policymakers, to create an enabling environment so that the private sector can benefit from the possibilities. It is in this spirit that we celebrate today. But as my brother from Brazil said, the fundamentals for society are democracy, security and the rule of law, and we must ensure at all times that these principles remain the foundation upon which we build our societies and communities.

“The time has come for us to translate our potential into action by outlining a clear vision, a clear path that is time-bound, so that all of our people can understand the common destination, the common path that we would like our development to take,” he said.
The Head of State noted that the future requires a private sector that is vibrant and outward-looking. He explained that it requires a private sector that can incorporate opportunities beyond its national borders and boundaries.
He also extended Independence Day greeting to the Surinamese people: “It gives me great honour and privilege to convey congratulations on behalf of the people of Guyana to the people of Suriname as you celebrate your 45th Anniversary. We wish you nothing but continued success. We wish you prosperity, and we wish that the citizens of Suriname would continue to enjoy good health and peace,” Ali informed.
Meanwhile, Surinamese President Santokhi reflected on his hopes and aspirations as a young man on the eve of independence. He noted that despite the contentious period the country endured, political leaders found a way to enter a new harmonious phase.

“It gives me great pleasure to thank each of you for honouring the people of Suriname at this highest level. As we face the challenges of the future, I wish to thank you for your support in ensuring that we succeed in shaping Suriname into a prosperous country; a safe and democratic place that abides by the rules of laws, and honours its international obligations. Your support in moving Suriname forward is highly appreciated, and we are grateful for that,” the Suriname leader said.
He said the ties between the countries are “historically old”, and expressed his confidence that the shared values and interests would continue to be a force of unity, and that the alliances forged would endure.
“We are bound by history and by the ties between our people. Let us cherish these bonds and unpack their possibilities… As we celebrate our alliances for decades to come, I wish to invite you to raise your glasses to the continued friendship between our countries, of our peoples, and to the prosperity and happiness of all!”
President Ali and a delegation of high-level Government officials have also engaged in a series of bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation, developing greater synergies, and advancing strategic dialogue on mutually beneficial projects.
On Tuesday, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and his Surinamese counterpart Albert Ramdin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations for the bridging of the Corentyne River – the border between Guyana and Suriname.
Another of the agreements inked between the two countries is the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform Agreement, which outlines areas of mutual interest and provides a platform for investment and collaboration.