Guyana and Kuwait mark 30 years of diplomatic ties

KUWAIT CITY, June 10: Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Guyana in Kuwait Troy Torrington said the cooperative relationship between Guyana and the State of Kuwait serves as a model of partnership founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Torrington disclosed that this year marks the celebration of two significant milestones in the history of relations between the two countries -- the 60th anniversary of the independence of Guyana and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Guyana and Kuwait.

He made the statement at a reception held on Tuesday evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for the Americas Ambassador Abdulaziz Al- Qadfan, as well as several ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, in attendance. He pointed out that the occasion goes beyond commemorating historical events, as it reflects two national journeys shaped by determination, vision and ambition.

He said the first journey started 60 years ago when Guyana embarked on the path of building a modern nation, while the second started 30 years ago with the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Kuwait based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a shared conviction in the value of international cooperation as a means to achieve progress and prosperity. He confirmed Guyana’s full solidarity with the State of Kuwait in addressing the security challenges in the region and reaffirmed his country’s support for stability and security of Kuwait.

He stated that what makes the relationship between the two nations distinctive is that it is not rooted in geographic proximity or short-term economic interests, but rather in a framework of common values. He added that both countries recognize the value of resilience in overcoming challenges, and have demonstrated that smaller nations can play influential roles when guided by clear vision, wise leadership and strong determination. He praised the humanitarian and development contributions of Kuwait on the international stage, stressing that the principled positions and humanitarian initiatives of his country helped improve the lives of millions of people around the world. He also commended the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and highlighted the continuous development and progress taking place throughout Kuwait.

He lauded as well the efforts of various Kuwaiti institutions and entities in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed appreciation for the role of Al-Qadfan in advancing cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized that the simultaneous celebration of Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee of Independence and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Kuwait underscores the depth and strength of the partnership between the two nations. He added that Kuwait has long been, and continues to be, an important development partner for Guyana, asserting that the future of bilateral cooperation offers considerable opportunities and promising prospects. He explained that the economic progress achieved by Guyana, particularly in the energy sector, created new opportunities for cooperation and investment between the two countries. He said a number of business leaders and investors from Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have already begun exploring investment opportunities in the Guyanese market.

He believes that the next phase of bilateral relations could bring about stronger cooperation between the private sectors of both countries, expanded partnerships among universities and research institutions, and broader collaboration in various fields, including food security, agricultural production, infrastructure, logistics, conventional and renewable energy, climate resilience, digital transformation, ecotourism, healthcare, innovation, finance and sustainable development. He added that Guyana and Kuwait have a unique opportunity to showcase a successful model of international cooperation based on mutual interests and shared development objectives. He then asserted that these ambitions are achievable through concerted efforts and strong political will.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff