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PM Modi to Receive Top Honours from Guyana, Barbados

The award, presented by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honours PM Modi for his leadership and the improvement of India-Nigeria relations….reports Asian Lite News

Guyana and Barbados are poised to bestow their highest national honours upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi, increasing his total count of international accolades to 19.

Guyana will present ‘The Order of Excellence,’ while Barbados will grant the esteemed ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ to the Prime Minister.

Prior to reaching Guyana, Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his trip to Nigeria, where he engaged in fruitful bilateral talks with President Tinubu. During this visit, Nigeria awarded the Prime Minister its top distinction, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ (GCON).

The award, presented by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honours PM Modi for his leadership and the improvement of India-Nigeria relations. Notably, the Prime Minister is only the second foreign dignitary to receive the GCON, a recognition that was first given to Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.

“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment to democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically; winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much,” said Tinubu.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” he added.

Earlier this week, Dominica announced its highest national honour, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi in acknowledgement of his pivotal support during the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations.

Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton is set to confer the award during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, which Prime Minister Modi will be attending personally in the coming week after wrapping up his engagements in the G20 Summit at Rio de Janeiro.

This would eventually take the number of civilian honours received by PM Modi to a record 17, highlighting his leadership and India’s growing stature on the global stage.

It is also a reflection of India’s strengthened diplomatic relationships and the country’s expanding influence.

PM Modi has been conferred highest civilian honours in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulaziz Sash, 2016), Afghanistan (State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, 2016), Palestine (Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, 2018), UAE (Order of Zayed Award, 2019), Russia (Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, 2019 – received by PM Modi in July 2024), Maldives (Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, 2019), Bahrain (King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, 2019), US (Legion of Merit by the US Armed Forces in 2020), Bhutan (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, 2021) Papua New Guinea (Ebakl Award, 2023), Fiji (Companion of the Order of Fiji, 2023), Papua New Guinea (Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, 2023), Egypt (Order of Nile, 2023), France (Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, 2023), Greece (Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, 2023).

In addition to these highest civilian honours, PM Modi has received several prestigious awards from renowned global organisations.

In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in recognition of his contributions to global harmony and world peace.

In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership.

In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019 in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness.

In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.

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Modi Emplanes For Three-Nation Visit To Nigeria, Brazil, Guyana

The five-day visit marks several significant milestones, including the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and to Guyana in over 50 years. PM Modi will also attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil next week and interact with the Indian diaspora in all three countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a three-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, during which he is set to engage in a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The five-day visit marks several significant milestones, including the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years and to Guyana in over 50 years. PM Modi will also attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil next week and interact with the Indian diaspora in all three countries.

On the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will spend two days in Nigeria at the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of strengthening India-Nigeria ties.

“This will be my first visit to Nigeria, our close partner in the West African region. It will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian community in Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi,” PM Modi’s statement read.

India and Nigeria have been strategic partners since 2007, with collaborations spanning economic, energy, and defence sectors. Over 200 Indian companies have invested more than $27 billion in Nigeria across key industries.

During the visit, PM Modi will review the bilateral relationship, explore new areas of cooperation, and address the Indian community in Nigeria.

The Prime Minister will then travel to Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro to attend the 19th G20 Summit on November 18, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

As part of the G20 Troika along with Brazil and South Africa, PM Modi is expected to share India’s perspectives on global issues and build on the outcomes of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and the Voice of the Global South Summits. On the sidelines, he will hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders.

“In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful presidency elevated the G20 to people’s G20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in line with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,'” PM Modi stated.

The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Georgetown in Guyana from November 19 to 21. The visit, at the invitation of Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1968.

PM Modi will hold bilateral talks, address the Guyanese Parliament, and meet members of the Indian diaspora.

“Guyana and India share a unique relationship rooted in shared heritage, culture, and values. I look forward to paying my respects to one of the oldest Indian diasporas, who migrated over 185 years ago. This visit will strengthen our ties and provide strategic direction for our future collaboration,” the Prime Minister noted.

During the visit, PM Modi will also participate in the Second India-CARICOM Summit alongside leaders from Caribbean partner countries. “We have stood together through thick and thin. This Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains,” he added.

Last year, President Ali was the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, where he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

The Prime Minister’s tour is expected to deepen India’s engagement with these regions, foster bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and enhance ties with the Indian diaspora.

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Modi to visit Nigeria, Brazil, Guyana   

Modi will embark on a three-nation tour from November 16 to 21, visiting Brazil for the G20 Summit, and to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria and Guyana…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation tour from November 16 to 21, visiting Brazil for the G20 Summit, and to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria and Guyana. 

At the invitation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PM Modi will visit Nigeria, from 16-17 November 2024. This will be the first visit by a Prime Minister of India to Nigeria in 17 years, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday. 

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks to review the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria and discuss further avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship. He will also address a gathering of the Indian community in Nigeria, the MEA said. 

India and Nigeria have been strategic partners since 2007 with growing economic, energy and defence collaboration. More than 200 Indian companies have invested over USD 27 billion in important sectors in Nigeria. India and Nigeria also share a strong development cooperation partnership, the MEA added. 

According to the MEA statement, PM Modi will then travel to Rio De Janeiro from November 18-19 to attend the G20 Summit hosted by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva. 

India is part of the G20 Troika along with Brazil and South Africa and has been actively contributing to the ongoing G20 Summit discussions. 

During the Summit, the Prime Minister will put forward India’s positions on various issues of global importance and build on the outcomes from the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and Voice of the Global South Summits which were hosted by India in the past two years, the MEA said. On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister is expected to meet several leaders, it added. 

At the invitation of Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, PM Modi will undertake a state visit to Guyana from November 19-21, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since 1968, the MEA said. 

Earlier in 2023, Guyanese President Ali visited India as the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, when he was also awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold discussions with President Ali, meet other senior leaders of Guyana, address the Parliament of Guyana and address a gathering of the Indian diaspora, the MEA said. 

In Georgetown, Guyana, Prime Minister will also participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit and hold meetings with leaders of CARICOM member countries to further enhance India’s long-standing friendship with the region, the MEA added.  

S Africa expects summit to strengthen multilateralism 

South Africa expects the upcoming G20 summit to strengthen multilateralism and reform the global institutions of governance, South Africa’s top diplomat said. 

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola made the remarks on Tuesday while briefing the media in Pretoria, South African administrative capital, about the implementation of his country’s foreign policy and upcoming engagements. 

He said that the G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled from November 18 to 19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges, Xinhua news agency reported. 

“South Africa is already playing an enhanced role as a member of the G20 Troika, together with Brazil and India, in support of one of Brazil’s foremost priorities on the reform of the global governance institutions wherein G20 leaders are expected to advance efforts for a reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system, rooted in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, with renewed institutions and a reformed governance that is more representative, effective, transparent, and accountable, reflecting the social, economic, and political realities of the 21st century,” said Lamola. 

He pointed out that in terms of promoting the interests of the Global South, South Africa considers the G20 to be an important vehicle for advancing the aspirations of developing countries and Africa’s development priorities in particular. 

It is expected that the G20 will continue to support emerging and developing economies to achieve sustainable development, Lamola added. South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency on December 1 and will host the summit in 2025. 

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India Explores Oil Deals with Guyana, Suriname, Namibia

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is looking to diversify its crude sources….reports Asian Lite News

India has been talking to Guyana, Suriname and Namibia regarding oil cooperation, informed Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday while asserting that there is no shortage of crude oil globally.

His statement comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) are extending their voluntary oil output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) into the second quarter.

Responding to the development, Puri said: “Whatever decision Opec+ takes it is their sovereign decision… I speak with confidence as a representative of a country that we will navigate through this. If you sell, we will buy. If you don’t we will buy from someone other.”

“There is no shortage of crude oil in the world. My view is that there is enough oil present with Opec+… we have been talking to Guayana, Suriname, Namibia. Venezuela has some difficulties $600 million were stuck… that is coming in. I am confident. We will navigate through this. In coming time I don’t see any difficulty in this,” he added.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is looking to diversify its crude sources.

India is considering a multi-year oil purchase agreement with Guyana.

crude oil, UAE-based Indian national sanctioned by US for smuggling Iranian oil.

Last year, the Ministry of External Affairs also said India is keenly looking at oil and gas cooperation with Guyana and Suriname.

Discussions in this regard were held during meetings of President of Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Republic of Suriname president Chandrikapersad Santokhi with President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention last year in January.

Meanwhile, India and Namibia are exploring possibilities regarding oil and gas cooperation.

During his visit to Namibia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last year said there is a much clearer picture of the possibilities before the two countries. “Closer cooperation in the field of energy, including in oil and gas, green hydrogen, and solar,” he has said.

India, the world’s third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is dependent on crude oil from various sources in the global market to meet its domestic demand. (ANI)

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Guyana’s PM due in India, to hold meeting with President

In April last year, Jaishankar paid a visit to Guyana and called on PM Mark Phillips and discussed energy, disaster resilience, and defence cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

Guyana’s Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips will embark on his visit to India on February 6 and is scheduled to hold a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Guyana PM Mark Phillips will arrive on Tuesday in New Delhi.

He will hold a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday at the Hotel Taj Palace.

Later in the evening, he will hold a meeting with President Murmu.

After his meeting with President Murmu, Phillips will meet Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the India Habitat Centre, the External Affairs Ministry confirmed.

Later, the Guyana PM will be attending programmes in Delhi and Agra from February 8 to February 10.

He will depart from India on February 11, according to the statement released by the MEA.

In April last year, Jaishankar paid a visit to Guyana and called on PM Mark Phillips and discussed energy, disaster resilience, and defence cooperation.

He also co-chaired the 5th India-Guyana Joint Commission Meeting with his Guyana counterpart Hugh Todd and held “comprehensive discussions” related to agriculture, energy, health and pharmaceuticals and defence cooperation.

He also said it is very natural to discuss cricket on a visit to Guyana, as he called the nation, the land of Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs.

Moreover, Jaishankar, during his Guyana visit also celebrated Earth Day and planted a tree.

“Celebrated Earth Day in Georgetown by planting a Simarupa tree in this beautiful country. May this sapling grow and prosper reflecting the strength and vitality of the India-Guyana relationship,” the minister posted on X.

Jaishankar also met his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Alva Baptiste, in Guyana.

India’s relations with Guyana are warm and cordial, with a high degree of understanding. (ANI)

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Guyana President and Jaishankar unveil India-made ferry

The ferry has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata…reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday joined Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali at the commissioning of the ferry MV MA Lisha in Georgetown.

The ferry has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata.

“Joined President of Guyana Irfaan Ali at the Commissioning of the ferry MV MA Lisha today. This ferry would significantly enhance connectivity within Guyana. It will provide mobility and economic opportunities for distant hinterlands,” he tweeted.

Jaishjankar also joined Ali at his Eid dinner and thanked him for his hospitality as well as warm welcome during his Guyana visit.

‘MA Lisha’ means friendship and it would significantly enhance connectivity within Guyana. It will provide mobility and economic opportunities for the Indian community in the country.

“Delighted to interact with the Indian community today evening in Guyana. Thank Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Speaker Manzoor Nadir for joining us. Conveyed that we are forging a partnership that is fit for purpose for the contemporary era,” tweeted Jaishankar.

The EAM appraised them of his discussions with the Guyanese leadership and common resolve to upgrade the level of partnership between India and Guyana.

Jaishankar addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table in Guyana saying that the partnership of both countries holds new possibilities, while also underlining the new focus areas as earlier agreed upon by the two countries.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Jaishankar said he underlined the new focus areas as earlier discussed by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Narendra Modi including energy, health and pharma, technology and defence.

The External Affairs Minister took part in the India-Guyana Business Round Table in the presence of Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Finance Minister of Guyana, Ashni Singh and Public Works Minister of Guyana, Deodat Indar.

“Addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table. Appreciate participation of Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Finance Minister Ashni Singh and Public Works Minister Deodat Indar,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Jaishankar said a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) also took part in the Round Table, which is a reflection of India’s growing engagement with Latin America.

He also met Guyanese service officers who underwent training in India and paid a site visit to the East Bank-East Coast Road Linkage Project along with the Minister of Public Works Deodat Indar.

“Pleased to meet Guyanese service officers yesterday who underwent training in India. ‘Delivered by India’ is a growing global infra reality. Paid a site visit to the East Bank-East Coast Road Linkage Project along with Minister of Public Works Deodat Indar. Interacted with workers and senior staff. Impressed by their enthusiasm,” he said. (ANI)

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‘India-Guyana ties hold many possibilities’

Jaishankar who is on a three-day visit to Guyana addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table on the last day of his trip…reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table in Guyana, and said that the partnership of both countries holds new possibilities, while also underlining the new focus areas as earlier agreed upon by the two countries.

Jaishankar who is on a three-day visit to Guyana addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table on the last day of his trip. Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Jaishankar said he underlined the new focus areas as earlier discussed by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Narendra Modi including energy, health and pharma, technology and defence.

The External Affairs Minister took part in the India-Guyana Business Round Table in the presence of Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Finance Minister of Guyana Ashni Singh and Public Works Minister of Guyana Deodat Indar.

“Addressed the India-Guyana Business Round Table. Appreciate participation of Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Finance Minister Ashni Singh & Public Works Minister Deodat Indar,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Jaishankar said that a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) also took part in the Round Table, which is a reflection of India’s growing engagement with Latin America.

CII is a premier business association, which partners with Indian Industry, government and civil society to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India.

In a series of tweets after the Round Table, the EAM said, “Given the impressive growth rate of Guyana and India, our partnership holds many new possibilities. Underlined that the new focus areas agreed to by President Ali and PM @narendramodi -energy, health and pharma, development partnership & capacity building, agriculture, innovation, technology and defence and infrastructure will be the drivers of our ties.”

“My presence here is intended to take forward the momentum created by the visits of President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo recently. Strong economics will complement shared values in taking our partnership to a new level,” Jaishankar tweeted

Air services deal

India and Guyana signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on Saturday to facilitate easier travel between the two nations, News Room Guyana reported citing the release from the Ministry of Public Works of the country.

The agreement was signed between Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P and the High Commissioner of India to Guyana KJ Srinivasa, and in the presence EAM S Jaishankar who is on a 3-day visit to Guyana. The agreement’s signing is consistent with the government’s objective to establish ties between Guyana and the rest of the world.

It will also complement the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has negotiated with other ICAO governments for the advancement of interstate air travel.

Along with Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hugh Todd; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper; Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, and other Technical Officials from India and Guyana were also present while the agreement was being signed, reported Guyana’s leading broadcast and online news media, News Room Guyana.

The Agreement encourages the development of international air services between the two nations and a global airline market.

It also addresses important matters Grant of Rights; Designation and Authorization of Airlines; Revocation or Suspension of Operating Authorization, Principles governing the operation of Agreed Services, Application of Laws, User Charges, Customs Duties and Charges, Aviation safety and security, and more, reported News Room Guyana.

As the two countries signed the air services agreement, new investment opportunities for Guyanese-owned airlines to have direct market access to international airports in India and vice versa will be now accessible.

Jaishankar arrived on Friday for a three-day visit to Guyana. The EAM was received by Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd in the Guyanese capital of Georgetown.

Next, Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Panama next from April 24-25. He will be calling on top leadership and would be hosted by Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. After that Jaishankar will head to Colombia from April 25-27 where he is scheduled to meet with several top representatives of the government, business and civil society. During the visit, he will meet with Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva Duran and review bilateral ties.

Energy, defence cooperation discussed

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips and discussed energy, disaster resilience, and defence cooperation.

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, Jaishankar said, “Glad to call on Prime Minister Mark Phillips of Guyana. Discussed energy, disaster resilience and preparedness and defence cooperation. India will partner with Guyana in its developmental journey.” Earlier, Jaishankar co-chaired the 5th India-Guyana Joint Commission Meeting with his Guyana counterpart Hugh Todd and held “comprehensive discussions” related to agriculture, energy, health and pharmaceuticals and defence cooperation.

“Co-chaired the 5th India-Guyana Joint Commission Meeting with Foreign Minister Hugh Todd this afternoon. Comprehensive discussions in agriculture; energy; health & pharmaceuticals; ayurveda and wellness; defence cooperation; human resources; tech & innovation and infra development,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

“Witnessed exchange of agreements in Migration and Mobility and Air Connectivity. Encouraged our officials to continue the close contacts and facilitate stronger business-to-business ties,” Jaishankar wrote further on Twitter.

On Saturday, Jaishankar called on Guyana President Irfaan Ali.

“Delighted to call on Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo at the State House. Conveyed the personal greetings and warm regards of PM @narendramodi. Their recent visits to India have provided new momentum for our ties,” the EAM tweeted.

He also said it is very natural to discuss cricket on a visit to Guyana, as he called the nation, the land of Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs.

Moreover, Jaishankar during his Guyana visit also celebrated Earth Day and planted a tree.

“Celebrated Earth Day in Georgetown by planting a Simarupa tree in this beautiful country. May this sapling grow and prosper reflecting the strength and vitality of the India-Guyana relationship,” the minister wrote on Twitter.

Jaishankar also met his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Alva Baptiste in Guyana and said he appreciated his insights at the India-CARICOM ministerial held in Guyana on Friday.

The External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is on a four-nation Central and Latin America visit which began on April 21.

Following his visit to Guyana, Jaishankar will visit Panama tomorrow for two day-visit from April 24-25. He will be calling on top leadership and would be hosted by Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo. During this visit, the India-SICA Foreign Ministerial Meeting will also be convened wherein he would meet representatives of the eight-country Central American Integration System (SICA).

After his Panama visit, the EAM will leave for Colombia and the Dominican Republic. (ANI)

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India, Guyana to boost cooperation in oil & gas

During the visit, Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar participated in the 4th India-Guyana Foreign Office consultations…reports Asian Lite News

Emphasizing the need to strengthen bilateral relations, Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has talked about the need for closer cooperation with India in sectors like oil & gas, infrastructure, and defence.

The matter was discussed when Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Saurabh Kumar called on President Ali in Georgetown on Monday ( November 28).

The President was accompanied by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Minister in the Ministry of Public Works Indar Deodat.

President Ali emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral relations and highlighted that Guyana is poised for rapid growth and development, the MEA said on Tuesday.

“The two sides discussed cooperation in a wide range of areas including oil and gas, infrastructure projects, defence cooperation, capacity building and Guyana’s requirement of skilled manpower,” the MEA added.

During the meeting, Secretary (East) informed President Ali about the arrangements related to the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in which the latter would participate as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit, Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar participated in the 4th India-Guyana Foreign Office consultations. the Guyanese side was led by Director, Multilateral Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana George Talbot.

According to the MEA, the institutional interaction provided an opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral relations, including in areas such as political, trade and economic, oil and gas, food security, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, ICT, education and S&T, development partnership, climate change and culture.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and cooperation in multilateral bodies including CARICOM.

Additionally, the Secretary (East) met CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary General Armstrong Alexis at the organization’s headquarters in Georgetown. The two sides welcomed the recent momentum in India-CARICOM relations and agreed to work towards further strengthening it, the MEA said.

They agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi. (India News Network)

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