| Guyana and Suriname have moved a step closer to cementing developmental cooperation, with the bridging of the Corentyne River, climate change, security and mining being priorities. |
This was the result of a one-day working visit here by newly-elected Suriname President, Desi Bouterse, on Monday.
After lengthy discussions at the Office of the President, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo and his counterpart announced that they had agreed to forge ahead with plans to bridge the Corentyne River. As such, a feasibility study for the construction of that bridge will be conducted shortly.
There were no timelines set, but Bouterse told the media that, once the political will exists, the bridge will be a reality.
The two heads of state have underscored the impact a bridge across the Corentyne River would have on trade and economic relations, as well as fostering even greater people-to-people contact, which is indispensable to deepening the relationship between their two countries. A bridge across the Corentyne River is part of a series of projects as part of the South- South cooperation thrust.
In recognition of its importance, Presidents Jagdeo and Bouterse have sought to work at a bilateral level to make it a reality.
Guyana and Suriname share a history of bitter border disputes that both presidents seem inclined to leave behind. President Jagdeo said, for too long, this had been an issue, noting that while it is important, it should not hinder progress. Jagdeo struck a similar note during a recent visit to Venezuela.
“We agreed to put our relationship beyond just the border issues that we’ve had. We found out that the border issues, in the past, had often overshadowed and stymied cooperation in every other area,” Jagdeo said.
He believes that there are many benefits that could be derived from improved relations between the people of the two nations.
Meanwhile, the two leaders disclosed that “new mechanisms” to fast track development cooperation will be put in place.
Guyana and Suriname have agreed that it is necessary for closer cooperation and coordination between their law enforcement agencies if their respective anti- crime and security policies, strategies and programmes are to be successful.
The security ministers of both countries are expected to continue cooperation and consultations.
Other areas of proposed cooperation include health and mining.
The heads of state are confident that cooperation in these areas will advance bilateral relations to a new level of closeness and mutual understanding. In this regard, they agreed that officials should meet immediately to discuss and formulate proposals for a practical programme of cooperation in the various fields.
The heads also exchanged views on the pressing global issue of climate change and responses at their respective national and regional levels to combat this growing phenomenon. President Bouterse was briefed on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the successes achieved in its implementation.
