Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Guyana on Tuesday, and it is quite special because it will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American nation in 56 years.
Amit S Telang, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, appreciated the visit and said, "The significance of the visit lies in the fact that our two countries have traditionally enjoyed very warm and, I would say, shared historical ties.
This visit is taking place after nearly five decades or 56 years exactly, is a symbol of deep friendship, mutual trust and the kind of cooperation that our two countries have experienced over the years.
He said India and Guyana have aimed to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, renewable energy, information and communication technology and education.
Strong cultural and historical ties between India and Guyana, he said, adding that about 40 per cent of Guyana's population is of Indian origin. "We also have an expanding Indian community in Guyana, comprising students, professionals and, of course, those engaged in business and commerce.
There is a lot of excitement, enthusiasm and optimism about the journey. I am confident that Prime Minister Modi's visit will add new momentum to our partnership," he said.
He further highlighted India's engagement with CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) member countries, of which Guyana is a part.
"India has been working very closely with CARICOM member countries. It is also part of our initiative called Voice of Global South. During our G20 Presidency, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we launched the initiative of Voice of Global South.
Many leaders of CARICOM actively participated in these summits and shared their views," he said. The formal structure of relations between India and Guyana includes a bilateral Joint Commission at Ministerial level, the fourth session of which was held in Georgetown in May 2008.
Periodic consultations between Foreign Offices, whose third round was held in Georgetown in July 2011, cultural exchange programmes and a joint trade between Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICC) and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Council.
(Input From ANI)
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