Guyana and Suriname today agreed to a joint approach to the Inter-American Development Bank to discuss financing modalities for the proposed bridge across the Corentyne River.
A communiqué issued following a visit today by President Donald Ramotar to the neighbouring country at the invitation of its President Desi Bouterse said that both presidents stressed the importance of the construction of the bridge. They noted that it would 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”, the communiqué said.
The problems of cross-border crimes were also raised. The communiqué said:
“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.
“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”, the communiqué said.
The communiqué also addressed food security and climate change among other matters.