A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the integration project, conceived by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) and Investe Brasil, involves the construction of a heavy duty road linking Georgetown and Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima; the construction of a deep water harbour; a hydro-electricity facility in Guyana and the development of an industrial area in Boa Vista.

During the visit to Brazil, Jagdeo and Lula noted the importance of the road link between the two countries, Suriname and French Guiana and the likely increase in commercial and tourism traffic to northern South America.

At the bilateral level, GINA said the President had highlighted the importance of the agreement on the international road transport of passengers and cargo signed earlier this year. They are hopeful that the agreement will be ratified in the near future.

Lula, GINA said, had reiterated his commitment to the completion of the bridge across the Takutu River, to facilitate the road link from Brazil to Guyana, as soon as possible.

They both agreed to explore avenues to improve air links and the establishment of a regular shipping service between the two countries.

Guyana’s participation in the process of the Initiative for the Integration of the Regional Infrastructure of South America (IIRSA) was noted and both leaders agreed that the physical integration of South American countries forms the basis for the process, GINA said.

During the three-day visit the President’s delegation visited several areas in Brazil including a Honda factory and SIVAM military base.

The leaders applauded the excellent collaboration in military affairs and noted the need to deepen that co-operation through the gradual integration of Guyana in SIVAM. SIVAM, according to GINA, is one of the most sophisticated surveillance systems in the world and it allows the Brazilian government to protect the Amazon area from illegal invasion and occupation.

In terms of education, they agreed on the modalities for the revitalisation of student- exchange programmes between Guyana and Brazil. Jagdeo offered Guyana as a location for the teaching of English.

The leaders also noted the importance of joint mechanisms to review bilateral co-operation and at the same time agreed for early meetings of the Joint Commission, the Guyana-Brazil Group on Consular Co-operation and on Political Consultation.

Guyana and Brazil will observe 35 years of diplomatic relations in December and the foreign affairs ministers of both countries have been tasked with organising celebrations.

Jagdeo was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally; Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier; Minister of Education, Dr Henry Jeffrey; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir and Chief Executive Officer of GO-INVEST, Geoffrey Da Silva.