GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, has held discussions with a European Union delegation, headed by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador René van Nes on the Guyana-European Union Partnership Dialogue.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, (left) and the Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador René van Nes shake hands following their meeting (EU Photo)A joint statement issued following the deliberations noted that aligned with the Dialogue’s objective of exchanging information and fostering mutual understanding, “both sides engaged in open and constructive discussions on areas of common interest at bilateral, regional and international level, including on new challenges in international settings”.
It said that they reaffirmed their commitment to the continuation and further enhancement of collaboration between Guyana and the European Union.
“Both sides acknowledged the transition from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which ended on 31 December 2023, and discussed Guyana’s accession to its successor – the Samoa Agreement”.
At least 64 of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACP) have signed the new Samoa Agreement, regarded as the overarching framework for relations between the EU and the OACPS countries.
Ambassador Van Nes told reporters on Thursday that Guyana has raised some concerns with the new agreement and the two sides are “talking on those issues where clarity is needed.
“Sixty four countries have signed the Samoa Agreement; Guyana has not done that… Guyana will look favourably to sign. They have concerns and it’s good, let them take their time and sign only when comfortable…we are talking on those issues where clarity is needed,” the EU diplomat explained.
Regarding the benefits for Guyana in the Samoa Agreement, Ambassador Van Nes said it goes beyond finances and addresses the core point of building partnerships.
“None of us are able to tackle the big problems in this world alone anymore…it is all about recognizing that we need to do that together. Recognizing the political importance of countries like Guyana where we want a mature political relationship.
“They [Guyana] have indicated what the area of concern is and we are talking about that area of concern,” he added.
According to the joint statement Todd underscored the importance of the relationship between the European Union and Guyana and reiterated Guyana’s unwavering commitment to enhancing collaboration in the areas of climate change, energy, security, people-to-people ties, and trade. He also noted the European Union’s pivotal role as a key developmental partner for Guyana.
Ambassador van Nes described last year as a meaningful year for the EU-Caribbean and the bilateral relations between the EU and Guyana. He acknowledged Guyana’s political role, in the region and at global level, as well as the country’s sustained economic growth.
The statement said he stressed the European Union’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and respect for the rule of law, and commended Guyana’s engagement in this regard.
“Both sides agreed that increased interaction between companies from Guyana and the European Union should be encouraged. In this context, Ambassador van Nes referred to the EU Economic Mission to Guyana in November 2023, and announced a follow-up before the end of the year,” it said.
It said Todd and the EU diplomat “further agreed that the opportunity should be explored to seek new areas of cooperation and to collaborate under the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which focuses on forest management, health, water management and renewable energy, as well as connectivity.
“They agreed that the Dialogue set the tone for continued collaboration at all levels, in areas of mutual interest and for building on the existing cooperation between Guyana and the European Union,” the statement said, adding that the next round of the Dialogue should be scheduled before the end of 2024.
