By Wazim Mowla
Recently elected President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was inaugurated earlier this week, which was attended by President Irfaan Ali as well as many leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean. President Lula’s third term in office is seen by some as a redefining moment for Brazil, a country that faced its fair share of criticism under former President Jair Bolsonaro. But his new term is also an opportunity for neighbours, like Guyana, to benefit from strengthening political and economic relations with Lula’s Brazil.
The potential for strong Guyana-Brazil relations has always existed. As bordering neighbours, it is natural for these countries to have close political, economic, and social relations. However, whether it has been limited political will or little economic incentives on either side, the longstanding potential that exists is yet to be fully realized. For years, there have been discussions between both countries (with Suriname) about establishing an electricity corridor and new trade routes, but little has materialized.