“We think that we can also collaborate, with the empathy that we have made from the Government. Since I met President Irfaan Ali I was able to demonstrate and I could see in him enormous leadership, not only for Guyana, but for the entire region, with leadership in CARICOM, and we empathized and were able to determine how both countries could complement each other”.
This is a statement made by Dominican Republic President, Luis Abinader, during a meeting with President Irfaan Ali and his delegation of officials while on an official visit to the Dominican Republic (DR) earlier this week. During the visit, the two Heads of State held discussions that were centred on the way forward for the fostering of enhanced cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.
As the discussions transpired, both Ali and Abinader reiterated their commitment to progress their bilateral agenda through the utilization of High-Level Working Groups. These groups will structure collaboration and assess progress made within the framework of the respective Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Agreements signed.
Both leaders shared a vision to strengthen bilateral relations by fostering an enabling environment that promotes greater business collaboration, increases trade, and benefits both nations. Additionally, they welcomed continued discussions regarding economic security and resilience between the private sectors of the two countries.
The presidents affirmed their commitment to advocating for Small Island Developing States to address challenges such as food security, energy security, and the impacts of climate change. The leaders also acknowledged the impact of regional and multilateral issues on sustainable development.
Further, they emphasized the fundamental need for adherence to the rule of law, respect for territorial integrity, and the promotion of democracy and human rights for the maintenance of the region as a zone of peace.
The Guyanese and Dominican leaders expressed their concern for the severe humanitarian, security, and governance crisis facing Haiti. The Presidents pledged to work alongside CARICOM and the United Nations to collaborate with the Haitian Government and all stakeholders to find a sustainable, Haitian-led solution.
This official visit, the second of its kind, aligns with the promise made by Ali to return the favour of the official visit conducted by the President of the Dominican Republic to Georgetown on June 1 of this year.
Ali’s visit was acknowledged by both leaders as evidence of the strengthening and expanding bilateral relationship between the DR and Guyana, and it serves as a foundation for tackling mutual concerns and fostering future collaboration to facilitate the growth and prosperity of both countries.
During the meeting, which was held at the Presidential Palace, the two presidents bore witness to the signing of six MOU regarding the construction of a refinery, the development of an oil block, the establishment of a petrochemical plant, and collaboration in agricultural production.
