Guyana, Canada commit to expanding cooperation on climate, trade & regional security

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday met with Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Mark Carney in Ottawa, and they both praised their longstanding relationship while underscoring the importance of shared values, economic cooperation, and global leadership on climate and biodiversity.

As Guyana celebrates its 60th independence anniversary this month, both leaders lauded the simultaneous establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations and reaffirmed their shared commitment, promising that future talks will continue in the same vein.

“Welcome to Canada, a country you know well, [where there are] many ties between Guyana and Canada. And, of course, this is the 60th anniversary of independence [of Guyana] and the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations,” Carney said.

He highlighted the personal, business, and cultural connections that have long bound the two nations, noting, “We have lots of ties and personal connections between families; we have business ties, and we have common interests in peace, stability, and territorial integrity in the CARICOM region and all of the countries there, and, of course, more broadly.”

Carney also commended Guyana’s economic achievements under President Ali’s leadership, remarking, “I commend you on your re-election and a rate of economic growth that I can only speak about.”

His words reflected Canada’s recognition of Guyana’s rapid transformation into one of the fastest-growing economies in the Western Hemisphere, driven by energy development, agriculture, and diversification. Both leaders articulated a vision of collaboration that reflects shared values and mutual aspirations.

President Ali responded with gratitude and a clear articulation of Guyana’s priorities. “Thank you very much; it’s an honour to be here. I want to congratulate you on the work you have been doing,” Ali said. He stressed the multidimensional nature of Guyana-Canada relations, noting that the partnership extends beyond diplomacy into global leadership on environmental issues.

“Guyana and Canada share a very intense and diversified relationship – not only diplomatic. We are both leaders on climate issues and tropical forests; we are both pursuing leadership in biodiversity,” Ali explained. His remarks underscored Guyana’s role as a steward of vast tropical forests, which serve as critical carbon sinks, and Canada’s commitment to advancing biodiversity protection on the global stage.

Guyana’s emphasis on climate and biodiversity reflects its broader strategy of positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development, even as it harnesses new energy resources.

Trade and economic cooperation were highlighted as President Ali recalled Canada’s historic role as one of Guyana’s largest trading partners and expressed optimism about renewed collaboration.

“Canada, at one time, was our largest trading partner, and that is some of the discussion we want to have; to see how, in this new dimension, the new economy we are building, Canada can play a deeper and greater role in the diversification, innovation, and advancement of our economy,” Ali said.

His remarks pointed to Guyana’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, with large investments in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, and technology, which he continues to champion both at home and as he travels.

Canada’s expertise in innovation and sustainable development offers opportunities for partnership in these sectors, as Ali called for that nation to play “a deeper and greater role” that reflects Guyana’s desire to leverage international partnerships to ensure long-term resilience and inclusive growth.

Beyond trade and diplomacy, both leaders emphasised the enduring people-to-people connections between Guyana and Canada, given that Guyana has a large Canadian diaspora.

The diaspora community in Canada continues, the President pointed out, to grow from strength to strength, holding firmly to cultural and familial ties. Ali noted, “Of course, deep people-to-people relationships and cultural and historical relationships; we are also leaders when it comes to food security, and we believe in the same values of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He said that cooperation extends beyond Government policy, fostering mutual understanding and shared identity, as the diaspora community plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations, contributing to both economies and serving as cultural ambassadors.

The President also expressed support for Canada’s evolving foreign policy. “I’ve noticed the diversification of your foreign agenda, which we support. Of course, CARICOM and Guyana, we want to be not behind the curve but right in your line of sight, and that is what we look for,” he said, a position he has echoed while serving as CARICOM Chairperson.

Ali’s visit comes at a time when Canada is “reigniting or resetting its own foreign policy”, as he observed.