Govt committed to strengthening relations between Guyana and Colombia—PM Phillips

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, attended Colombia’s 216th Independence Anniversary at the National Cultural Centre, where he reaffirmed Guyana’s close ties with Colombia and extended congratulations to its Government and people.

During Wednesday evening’s engagement, the Prime Minister welcomed progress made since the reopening of the Colombian Embassy in Georgetown a year ago and the appointment of a resident Ambassador, which created a direct channel for engagement. “The opportunities for collaboration between Guyana and Colombia are many, and our Government remains committed to strengthening this relationship,” he said, noting expanded exchanges among governments, institutions, and the private sector.

Ambassador Graybern Livingston Forbes stated that the restoration of Colombia’s resident diplomatic presence, after more than two decades, reopened an important channel of trust. He emphasised that the next stage must consolidate dialogue into programmes, commercial interests into shared opportunities, and cultural recognition into lasting ties. He pointed to stronger political dialogue, deeper CARICOM engagement, and cooperation in climate action, disaster management, agriculture, food security, and regional peace.

Over the past year, Guyana and Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Defence Force and Colombia’s Ministry of National Defence to enhance aerial surveillance and strengthen regional security. Another MoU between the Guyana Office for Investment and ProColombia formalised cooperation to promote investment and private sector development in tourism, energy, infrastructure, technology, agribusiness, and logistics.

Prime Minister Phillips underscored that Guyana’s expanding economy offered opportunities for deeper South–South cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, renewable energy, and technology. He noted that direct air connectivity to Bogotá encouraged travel and people to people links. Ambassador Forbes also highlighted growth in academic, private sector, and cultural exchanges, including Colombian businesses’ participation in Guyana’s Energy Conference.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, sovereignty, human rights, multilateralism, and regional security. The programme began with a moment of silence for those affected by the MV Barima tragedy, during which Ambassador Forbes extended Colombia’s condolences and solidarity to Guyana.
The evening also included a cultural presentation by the ‘Sacred Voices of Colombia’, which showcased the Spanish-speaking country’s diverse heritage.