Guyana, Brazil recommit to completing Linden to Lethem road link

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Carl Greenidge, today met with his Brazilian counterpart, Minister of External Relations, His Excellency Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, in Georgetown.

During the meeting, the two Ministers discussed areas of mutual interest, including the ongoing talks on the Linden to Lethem road link, the International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA), and trade and investment matters.

In addressing bilateral cooperation, they examined the expansion of the Partial Scope Agreement (PSA), which allows the two States to export specific goods with reduced or no tariffs.

“We looked at challenges posed by phytosanitary regulations and how we can talk through them to ensure that acceptable standards apply to the agricultural commodities moving across the border and in particular to Brazil,” Minister Greenidge explained after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable David Patterson, who also attended the meeting, noted that the terms of reference for the Linden to Lethem road project will be ready by August of this month.

“One of the main purposes of the meeting is to ensure it remains a priority for both States.  Therefore, by bringing such a large delegation, Brazil shows that they are as committed as we are to see this project through,” Minister Patterson said.

Phase one of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and also includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River.

Guyana secured funding from the British Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme to complete the design. The contract for this consultancy will be awarded shortly.

Earlier in the day, the Brazilian External Relations Minister paid a courtesy call on President David Granger. He departed for Brazil early this afternoon.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The delegations also discussed planned activities to celebrate the occasion.