President Ramotar and Surinamese President Desi Boutese at joint press conference
President Donald Ramotar and his Surinamese counterpart Desi Bouterse have reiterated the importance of bridging the Corentyne River and tackling cross-border crime, among several issues of mutual importance.
This is according to a joint communiqué issued following President Ramotar’s one-day state visit to Guyana’s Dutch- speaking neighbour.
During the visit, the two heads of state discussed several matters of mutual interest and exchanged ideas on ways and means of advancing their shared vision of intensifying existing relations.
Agreement was reached on several areas that can forge closer ties between the two countries. The bridge across the Corentyne River would considerably enhance trade and economic relations as well as cultural exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. They decided on a joint approach to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the purpose of identifying modalities for financing.
Ramotar and Bouterse also underscored the vast potential for cooperation in the field of industrial development, especially in the exploration and exploitation of the available natural resources.
The potential for joint exploitation of mineral resources was highlighted, as well as the need for increased technical cooperation at all levels between the two countries. They also agreed to continue their efforts towards intensified cooperation and sharing of knowledge, expertise and information in the field of petroleum exploration and production.
Updating the media: The presidents of Guyana and Suriname, Donald Ramotar and Desi Bouterse respectively hosting a press conference
The heads of state addressed the need for an increased focus on food security within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and reiterated the urgent need to develop a common agriculture strategy, aimed at making the two countries the major food suppliers within the region. To this end, they instructed their pertinent institutions to meet within one month to identify the possibilities for joint action in agriculture and to make recommendations for further cooperation.
The two presidents discussed Suriname’s initiative to encourage Caricom enterprises to mobilise regional resources – natural, financial and human – to promote regional development.
The Guyanese head of state congratulated Bouterse for conceptualising and promoting this proposal, and supported the view that it has the potential to provide a sustainable base for the generation of funds aimed at financing national development initiatives within the region.
Cross-border crime
In addressing the issue of cross-border crime, which poses a serious threat to both countries’ national security, the presidents agreed to fully implement the recommendations made by their respective security institutions during the first presidential security and intelligence exchange between Suriname and Guyana in April 2011.
The second round of consultations is scheduled to be convened in Paramaribo in March 2012. The heads of state agreed to establish a Border Security Committee as a direct mechanism for information sharing and monitoring, so as to deal with this matter in all its aspects.
In view of recent robberies at sea, Ramotar and Bouterse pledged to continue to work collaboratively to address this phenomenon, which is posing a challenge for the fishing industries of both countries.
