Guyana’s growing international visibility and engagement must be solidified as part of the country’s strategic foreign policy, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.
Speaking on a recently broadcast ‘Energy Perspectives’ podcast, Minister Todd highlighted recent diplomatic achievements as evidence of the nation’s strengthened global standing.Guyana’s successful negotiation of visa-free travel agreements with the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the United Arab Emirates underscores this progress.
These agreements are expected to boost tourism and trade while positioning Guyana as an attractive and reliable partner for foreign investment.Minister Todd attributed these accomplishments to the government’s comprehensive foreign policy, which emphasises protecting national sovereignty, enhancing regional integration, and securing energy, food, and climate security.
He further credited Head of State, President Irfaan Ali’s leadership, noting the administration’s focus on democratic values, rule of law, and transparency.“[President Ali] has been very strong on democracy and democratic values, the rule of law, transparency, [and] accountability.
We have improved our visibility, our standing, and our predictability as a democratic nation-state, and countries want to embrace that,” the minister remarked.
Since assuming office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has intensified its diplomatic engagement with traditional partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. Through initiatives like the US-funded Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Guyana has solidified its role in the international arena, fostering partnerships that promote mutual development. Minister Todd also outlined the government’s efforts to expand Guyana’s global footprint in sectors like energy, tourism, and infrastructure.
He noted that the country’s economic diplomacy has extended to regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, reflecting the administration’s ambition to position Guyana as a global player.“And there you see us engaging with countries in the Middle East, in Asia, and also in Africa. Because if you really want to be a global player, your economic diplomacy has to be global,” Minister Todd emphasised. President Ali has recently outlined plans to bolster local production in the agriculture sector through partnerships with the Middle East and Indonesia.
This strategy aims to meet domestic needs while positioning Guyana as a significant supplier in the global market. Minister Todd stressed that the government’s focus is not only on exporting primary products but also on building capacity for manufacturing, thereby achieving food security for both Guyana and the region.
According to Minister Todd, Guyana’s rising international stature is a testament to the government’s commitment to economic development, regional cooperation, and the promotion of strong democratic principles.
