Guyana, Chile moves to strengthen ties

Jul 07, 2016 News

– Granger to visit Chile this year to concretise bilateral agreements

Days after setting aside its dispute with neighbouring Suriname for the advancement of economic growth through the facilitation of trade, the David Granger-led Administration is wasting no time in strengthening ties with not only its immediate neighbours, but also Chile.

Both Guyana and Chile are exploring ways to improve co-operation between the two Nations.

President David Granger and Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, met on Tuesday as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government congregated at the Le Meridian Pegasus – Kingston, Georgetown for the 37^th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads – a three day conference which concluded yesterday.

Both Presidents during their meeting agreed to decide on a mutually convenient date for the visit of President Granger to Chile later this year, to finalise negotiations on bilateral agreements including the Open Skies/Air Services Agreement and the Reciprocal Agreement for the Abolition of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports.

President Granger said that particular interest to Guyana, is Chile’s expertise and experience in maritime administration and their regulatory framework for the mining sector, the Ministry of Presidency Website stated.

In terms of our own relations, President Granger said, “We know that Chile, particularly the President of Chile, Madam Michelle Bachelet, is committed to poverty reduction; is committed to peaceful resolution of conflicts and also she is committed to reducing the adverse effects of climate change.

“The CARICOM Region is an extension of the maritime zone and Chile has a long coastline and has much experience so there are many areas of cooperation [to explore].”

He pointed out that Chile has one of the most successful mining enterprises in the world and is a major copper producer and “we are looking at building a stronger regulatory framework in our sector… so there are many areas of functional cooperation as well as economic cooperation and Chile is an ideal partner with the Caribbean in this regard,”

Additionally, both Heads reviewed the existing bilateral relations between Guyana and Chile and agreed to continue working closely to expand and strengthen collaboration not only at the bilateral level, but also at the regional level within the context of the Union of South American States (UNASUR), Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

And in a joint communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chilean representatives, it was noted that President Bachelet highlighted the political importance of the presence of the Embassy of Chile in Guyana, to fostering better relations.

President Bachelet emphasised the pivotal role Chile plays in responding to the challenges faced by countries in the Caribbean through the promotion of cooperation and technical assistance. The sharing of best practices and experiences with Guyana and other countries of the Caribbean region in areas of common interest are central to the promotion of economic and inclusive social development.

The two Heads of State have also agreed to maintain strong collaboration with a view of promoting mutual trust and ensuring that the principle of peaceful solutions to controversies continues to prevail between South American States and to support as far as possible the candidatures of both countries for key regional and international positions.

President Bachelet reiterated the commitment of the Government of Chile to further strengthen ties with all CARICOM member countries.

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