India’s EAM discusses energy, defence cooperation with PM of Guyana

New Delhi, India: Prime Minister of the Republic of Guyana Mark Phillips was visited by the External Affairs Minister of Inda S Jaishankar, who spoke with him about energy, catastrophe resilience, and defence cooperation.

On Sunday, Jaishankar posted on Twitter, “Glad to call on Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips. The topics discussed were energy, disaster preparedness and resilience, and defence cooperation. India and Guyana will collaborate on its development.”

Earlier, Jaishankar and Hugh Todd, the counterparts from Guyana, co-chaired the 5th India-Guyana Joint Commission Meeting and had “comprehensive discussions” about collaboration in the fields of agriculture, energy, health and pharmaceuticals, and defence.

“Today in the afternoon, I co-chaired the 5th India-Guyana Joint Commission Meeting with Foreign Minister of Guyana Hugh Todd. Comprehensive conversations were held in the fields of energy, ayurveda, health, pharmaceuticals, defence cooperation, human resources, tech & innovation, and infrastructure development,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

“I observed the exchanging of agreements in the areas of migration, mobility, and air connectivity,” his tweet read. Jaishankar continued on Twitter and said that “We have encouraged our officials to maintain strong connections and support better business-to-business ties.”

Jaishankar spoke with Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana, on Saturday.

“Pleased to visit with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali of Guyana at the State House. Conveyed the best wishes and personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Their recent trips to India have given our relationships new life,” the EAM tweeted.

Additionally, he claimed that talking about cricket when visiting Guyana, the country Rohan Kanhai and Lance Gibbs called home, is only realistic. Jaishankar also observed Earth Day and planted a tree while in Guyana.

“In Georgetown, we planted a Simarupa tree to honour Earth Day in this lovely nation. The minister wished for the sapling to “grow and prosper”, reflecting the strength and vitality of the India-Guyana relationship,” stated EAM Jaishankar.

In Guyana, Jaishankar also visited Alva Baptiste, a counterpart from Saint Lucia, and expressed his appreciation for his perspectives at the India-CARICOM ministerial that took place there on Friday.

Beginning on April 21, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is touring four countries in Central and Latin America.

After his visit to Guyana on April 24, Jaishankar will spend two days in Panama. He will be hosted by the Foreign Minister of Panama – Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, and addressed by the highest echelons of government. On the occasion of the India-SICA Foreign Ministerial Meeting, which will also take place during this tour, he will speak with representatives of the eight-nation Central American Integration System (SICA).

The EAM will travel to Colombia and the Dominican Republic after he visits Panama.