Guyana/Brazil talks include energy cooperation
Guyana Chronicle
August 2, 2003
GEORGETOWN (GINA) -- President Bharrat Jagdeo and his high-level ministerial team returned from a three-day visit to Brazil yesterday, with renewed will and an even stronger commitment to continue productive relations with Guyana's south-western neighbour.
Delivering reciprocal remarks following President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva's presentation, President Jagdeo told the Brazilian leader that discussions yesterday morning were both cordial and productive.
Against this backdrop, President Jagdeo said, "we've opened a new and promising chapter in Guyana/Brazil relations."
He signaled that in friendship and cooperation Guyana and Brazil could work together to "build a brighter future for our peoples."
The Guyanese leader remarked that physical integration is essential to the creation of a closer and more dynamic relationship.
Current projects between Guyana and Brazil are primarily in the areas of roads and air links, but Mr. Jagdeo expressed the hope that cooperation between the two sides will soon include collaboration in the energy sector.
"In the area of trade, the Partial Scope Agreement between our two countries should be approved, leading to increased commercial exchanges between our two countries," stated President Jagdeo.
The Guyanese Head of State noted further that, once ratified the international road transport agreement for passengers and goods, which Guyana and Brazil have signed, would facilitate a rapid land tour for exchanges between the two countries.
However, Mr. Jagdeo told the Brazilian President that it is not enough to focus only on infrastructure, for without cultural contact, relations with the South American family cannot fully prosper.
"We must therefore try to develop a sense of kinship among our people, who, though geographically close to each other have been kept apart by the forces of history and language," said President Jagdeo.
Noting that Guyana offers English as a foreign language, since it is positioned as the only English-speaking country in the South American continent, Mr. Jagdeo said Brazilians are invited to take advantage of this offer.
"Looking beyond our bilateral co-operation I am pleased to note that at the global and regional levels we've also been working closely on a number of issues of mutual concern, Mr. Jagdeo told President Lula.
He added: "There is a remarkable co-incidence of views and issues that are critical to the development of our countries."
Guyana welcomes the establishment of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty, headquartered in Brazil, since this will further strengthen cooperation in this vital region.
Pronouncing on Guyana and Brazil's commitment to multiculturalism and international peace and security, President Jagdeo affirmed Guyana's support for Brazil's aspiration for a permanent seat on the reformed United Nations Security Council.
