Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in key fields of development with Abu Dhabi pledging US$500,000 to build a school here.
“The United Arab Emirates and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana have both agreed to extend cooperation in various key fields of development, particularly in food security, energy, technology, capacity building, as well as cultural and social exchanges,” a statement from the Office of the President yesterday said. It also announced the money to be donated.
No details were provided on specific areas and where or which school will be built was not stated but the release said that it will be subsequently announced.
The strengthening of existing ties followed a meeting between President Irfaan Ali and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the sidelines of the COP 28 Summit, currently being held at Expo City Dubai.
The release said that during a tour of Guyana’s pavilion, the UAE President commended this country’s endeavours to achieving sustainable development and implementing a green strategy. He stressed that with the COP28 presidency, the UAE aimed to lead global endeavours in the field of climate action to protect the planet and future generations, highlighting that the UAE maintains a steadfast commitment to sustainability when addressing global climate action.
“The two sides also agreed to fortify bilateral partnership across a wide range of areas concerning socio-economic and cultural development. The two sides commended the bilateral ties since 1995, reiterating the importance of promoting diplomatic relations through the joint commitment to open embassies in each of the respective countries. The two sides praised the prosperous economic and investment relations between the countries, where non-oil bilateral trade reached US$826 million in 2022, in a 20 percent increase compared to 2021, which reflects common efforts in reinforcing investments and economic relations in recent years,” it added.
The statement also echoed an announcement by Ali, two weeks ago, that a UAE Embassy will be set up here, though no timeframe was given for this.
Both countries also believe that high-level visits represent substantial opportunities to strengthen and enhance diplomatic relations, it added.
For his part, President Ali expressed his “appreciation of the warm welcome” by the UAE leader, the statement said.
“The two sides agreed to support ways to enhance bilateral cooperation to accomplish further prosperity and well-being in both countries,” it added.
