Paramaribo: The fight against piracy, intelligence sharing, strengthening of bilateral cooperation and cross-border security are among the issues discussed by President Donald Ramotar and Surinamese’sPresident Desire Bouterse as an eight-member Guyana delegation engaged in a one-day working visit to the Republic of Suriname.
Mining, agriculture, fisheries, as well as climate change were discussed while the issue of military cooperation was placed on the front-burner.
According to a Government Information Agency release, President Bouterse told journalists after signing the Communique that it is in the interest of both states that the two countries’ armies collaborate. He said however, that recurring comments about a border dispute between Guyana and Suriname must be placed on the back burner. President Bouterse said it is in the interest of the two states to focus on what binds them rather than what causes divisions. In this regard, the two parties agreed to an eleven – point communiqué which states as follows:-
1. His Excellency Donald Ramotar, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, paid a one day Working Visit to Suriname on February 17, 2012, at the invitation of His Excellency Desiré Delano Bouterse, President of the Republic of Suriname.
2. The two Heads of State discussed several matters of mutual interest. They exchanged ideas on ways and means of advancing their shared vision of intensifying the existing relations and cooperation between Suriname and Guyana. Agreement was reached on areas that can forge closer ties between the two countries.
3. The two Presidents reiterated the importance of the construction of the bridge across the Corantijn (Corentyne) River which 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 towards the IDB for the purpose of identifying modalities for financing. Both Presidents 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, know-how and information in the field of petroleum exploration and production.
5. Both Heads of State addressed the need for an increased focus on food security within the Caribbean Community 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.
6. The two Presidents discussed the initiative of the Republic of Suriname to encourage CARICOM Enterprises to mobilize regional resources – natural, financial and human- to promote regional development. The Guyanese Head of State congratulated President Bouterse for conceptualizing 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. Both Presidents addressed the issue of cross -border crimes, which pose a serious threat to their national security and agreed to fully implement the recommendations made by their respective security institutions during the First Presidential Security and Intelligence Exchange Meeting between Suriname and Guyana held on 29-30 April 2011 in Guyana. They noted that the second round of consultations is scheduled to be convened in Paramaribo in March 2012. They 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.
8. In view of recent robberies at sea the two Presidents pledged to continue to work collaboratively to address this phenomenon which is posing a challenge for the fishing industries of both countries. They instructed their institutions dealing with fisheries to adopt measures regarding security requirements for fishing vessels and fishermen.
9. In discussing the issue of climate change, both Presidents highlighted the impact, which the recent unusually high levels of rainfall have had on their countries, especially in the agricultural sector. They called for a concerted approach at the global level to deal with serious threats posed by climate change. In this regard they urged the international community to increase their efforts for the successful outcome of the Rio+ 20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next June. The Presidents instructed their respective Foreign Ministers to consult each other on all matters related to the issue of climate change and the upcoming Rio+ 20 Conference. In addition to recognizing the need for intensifying adaptation activities, both Presidents recognized and acknowledged the important mitigating role played by their forests. The Presidents reiterated the need to join forces to gain global recognition for the REDD+ mechanism. A more formal partnership framework will be considered to intensify South- South knowledge sharing to upscale technology transfer and strengthen negotiation teams.
10. The two Presidents expressed satisfaction with the successful outcome of their deliberations, which is regarded as a solid base for furthering the excellent relations that happily exists between the two countries. They further agreed to continue maintaining an open channel of communication between themselves and instructed their Ministers of Foreign Affairs to meet at least once every six months.
11. President Donald Ramotar expressed his appreciation to President Desiré Delano Bouterse for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
“ On the issue of joint initiatives as it relates to natural resources is the interest of the people of both states, I am particularly attracted to the ideas put forward by my colleague,” President Ramotar noted.
The Guyanese Leader added that, “we have a lot to benefit by integrating our societies more and more and to develop our countries for the benefit our peoples”.
President Ramotar told those gathered that the issue of making the Springlands/Nickerie crossing referred to as the ‘back track’ route into a legal entry point is under active consideration.
He said the issue must be taken in the context of many similar challenges facing the two states. He referred to the large unprotected borders and the scourge of piracy.
President Ramotar said that his first official visit to Suriname was a reflection of his determination to work toward improving the already existing good relations that have been established and continue to exist between Guyana and Suriname.
Earlier, President Ramotar and his delegation held discussions with and were hosted to breakfast by Vice-President Robert Ammeerali. The delegation also met with the staff of Guyana’s Embassy in Suriname.
President Ramotar addressed a number of issues affecting them and assured them of his government’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of the working class and more specifically, that of Foreign Service workers. Also addressing the Embassy’s staff was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Guyana’s delegation also comprised Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper, Newly appointed Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George, outgoing Ambassador Merlin Udho, Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and Head of the Intelligence Unit of the Guyana Defence Force, Lt. Colonel Omar Khan.
The visit ended this evening with a dinner held in honour of the Guyanese delegation at the President’s Complex.
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