Guyana, Brazil pledge to boost trade, transport ties - law enforcement cooperation on the cards Stabroek News May 23, 1999 The governments of Guyana and Brazil have agreed to pursue the strengthening of trade ties, and in this regard President Janet Jagan referred to her country's interest in deepening links with the South American economic bloc, Mercosur. According to a joint communique issued yesterday at the end of the four-day state visit to Brazil by President Jagan, Brazil's President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, noted that trade relations between Guyana and Brazil were just as important as those between Guyana and Mercosur. He announced that his government will submit to the CARICOM Common Market Council Meeting to be held in early June, a proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding between Mercosur and Guyana for consideration by the Latin American grouping with a view for adoption and signature during the Latin America, Caribbean and European Union Summit on June 28 to 30 in Rio de Janeiro. The two Heads of State further recognised the need for more development in bilateral cooperation between Brazil and Guyana. They have underlined the need for the establishment of communication between Guyana and Brazil and called for the competent agencies of both countries to continue efforts to conclude the road link between Boa Vista and Georgetown and the construction of a bridge across the Takutu River, the communique said. At a luncheon held in President Jagan's honour, President Cardoso agreed to push for the completion of the highway linking the two countries and called for the further development of Brazil and Guyana's common border areas. "This task will be facilitated as the highway interconnection between our countries is improved," he said. The Brazil/Guyana Highway is envisaged as a major boost for Guyana's trade relations with other South American countries. According to the communique, improved communication would stimulate contact and the flow of trade between Guyana and Brazil particularly between the respective frontier communities. The Heads of State also agreed to look for solutions to re-establish the air links between the two countries. Some years ago the Brazilian Airline Varig Air discontinued its weekly scheduled flights between Georgetown and Brazil. During the official visit the two presidents emphasised the importance of projects and initiatives that would enhance the development of Guyanese and Brazilian border regions and increase cooperation between the respective local communities. In this regard, both countries agreed to the hosting of a meeting between the Guyana/Brazil Group on Consular Cooperation to discuss issues pertaining to cross-border activities. The meeting to be convened later this year will focus on illegal mining in Guyana's border region. Both countries expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the joint border demarcation exercise. The neighbouring presidents also expressed the desirability for improved cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the respective countries. According to the communique, there are good prospects for collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Federal Police of Brazil. The presidents reiterated their commitment to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and its related activities. In this regard, an early meeting was called for on the Bilateral Working Group which was established under the 1988 Agreement on the Prevention, Control, Supervision and Restraining of the improper use and illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In the area of international peace and security, both countries reaffirmed their adherence to the principles enshrined in the chapters of the United Nations Organisation and of the Organisation of American States as they relate to democracy, respect for human rights, non-intervention and equal sovereignty of states. Touching on the Amazonian Cooperation Treaty of which Guyana is a founding member, President Jagan told her counterpart that her government looks forward to the establishment of the Permanent Secretariat (of Amazonian countries) in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia. She reassured that Guyana at the appropriate time, will be fully prepared to participate in the task of ensuring the secretariat's successful implementation of its mandate. On the wider based issue of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), the Guyanese Head of State expressed concern over the challenges and opportunities that are widely anticipated to come along with this process. "As we proceed with the complex series of negotiations and consultations, my concern over the fate of the smaller and more vulnerable economies continues to deepen." President Jagan told the Brazilian Government that unless countries are prepared to witness their own marginalization, then urgent action is necessary. In sharing her vision, President Jagan said she would like to see a togetherness of the peoples of this hemisphere..."that an understanding and a harmonisation of the political, economic, social and cultural ethos of the peoples of this hemisphere that transcends borders and regions." In her opinion, a convergence of groupings and a combination of resources and strengths will enable States to grapple successfully with many global challenges that lie ahead and to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. "It envisages us working ardently together to eradicate the scourges of disease, crime and poverty that assail our countries and peoples." The communique said that President Cardoso accepted an invitation from President Janet Jagan to visit Guyana on a date to be established through diplomatic channels. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples