GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Irfaan Ali has held talks in with Saudi Arabia with that country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Monday as the two countries seek to deepen their relations, according to a government statement issued here
President Irfaan Ali and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud during the talks on Monday (DPI Photo)The statement said that both leaders agreed to establish an implementation and follow-up mechanism to ensure that the expanding partnership translates into material results.
It said the discussions focused on advancing cooperation in several strategic areas, including opportunities in Hajj, energy, food security, biodiversity, sports, infrastructure, investment and development cooperation.
“President Ali and the Crown Prince reaffirmed their shared commitment to translating potential opportunities into projects that directly benefit citizens of both nations,” the statement said, adding that “the strengthened dialogue builds upon a growing foundation of collaboration between Guyana and Saudi Arabia over recent years”.
It said that the two countries have already forged significant partnerships through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
In 2023, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh signed two development loan agreements worth US$150 million to fund the “Infrastructural Development Works for the Housing Sector Project” and the construction of the Wismar Bridge project.
In 2022, Guyana and Saudi Arabia also signed an air services agreement, paving the way for direct air transport connectivity and greater movement of people and goods between the Middle East and South America.
The statement said additionally, cooperation in agriculture, particularly through hydroponics and food security initiatives, continues to advance as part of Guyana’s wider effort to position itself as a regional food hub.
It said that at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Saudi Arabia summit held in 2023, President Ali led discussions on the establishment of a US$25 million hydroponics facility for the Caribbean region, and in recognising the importance of the many challenges faced, Saudi Arabia set aside a sum of US$2.5 billion for the development of the region.
