Guyana and the European Union (EU) have agreed that the time is opportune to explore new frontiers in their relations” and Brussels has underlined forest partnerships as the priority area.
A press release on December 16 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation said that the two sides met on December 12 for the eighth round of political dialogue in the framework of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries–EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The talks were held at Ramphal House at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The release said that the EU confirmed its commitment to continue co-operation with Guyana in the framework of a new Multiannual Indicative programme for 2021-2027. The release added that the programme defines forest partnerships as the priority issue and will aid Guyana’s long-term vision for a green transition.
The EU lauded Guyana on its long-term vision for a green transition. Georgetown was also congratulated for being a pioneer in signing a MoU with the EU on a forest partnership as well as the recent clinching of the historic carbon credit sale and intended signature of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU on Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade.
According to the release, technical assistance is available from the EU in areas of mutual concern such as good governance, eco-tourism, public finance management, fostering business investment and health.
“The EU will remain a loyal supporter of civil society. A new modality will aim at mobilizing public and private investments in Guyana. Promoting investments is part of the 300 billion Euro initiative Global Gateway, which aims at connecting to the world via investments and partnerships on digital, climate and energy, transport, health and education”, the release added.
The EU acknowledged ongoing electoral reform in Guyana and emphasised its commitment to back the process as a follow-up to the electoral observation mission in 2020 and its recommendations. The press release said that the Guyanese side restated its commitment to democracy, good governance, the rule of law and human rights.
Also raised by the Guyana side was the issue of Schengen visa access for Guyanese. The Schengen visa gives access to a large number of countries in the EU but Guyanese have to travel to Suriname to apply for it and there is no guarantee of approval. The release said that the two sides agreed to work together to “address the challenges that are currently being experienced”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd was reported in the release as saying that though the oil and gas industry is rapidly developing, equal attention is being paid by Guyana to other sectors of the economy to ensure diversification. He also referenced actions that the government is taking to “create an environment conductive to sustainable and inclusive development. These include guarantees of freedom of expression, equal opportunity and non-discrimination”.
Todd also argued the need for small and developing countries like Guyana that are subject to a number of inherent vulnerabilities – including to climate change – to be fairly evaluated when decisions about economic support and co-operation are being made.
Guyana’s burgeoning oil revenues and robust forecasts of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth have resulted in the EU making the decision to decrease funding to the country, EU Ambassador René van Nes had told Stabroek News in September this year.
“So yes, the amount of money will be less and the higher the GDP of Guyana, the less you will get. The money has been fixed for the coming four years. That is less than it was before and that reflects the progress that you’re making,” van Nes explained when asked by Stabroek News if the EU’s budgetary support will decrease because of Guyana’s oil revenues.
The release on Friday said that the two sides engaged in wide-ranging and frank talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest to both parties including the war in Ukraine, the human rights situation on both sides, climate change, food security and citizen security.
The next round of dialogue will be scheduled in 2023.
The two sides were led by Todd and van Nes.
