Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have agreed to a broad economic and trade agenda aimed at deepening integration and removing commercial barriers between the two energy-rich Caribbean nations, according to a statement from Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar met in Trinidad to outline a roadmap focused on food security, energy integration, and the transfer of technology and human capital. A key outcome of the talks is the establishment of a high-level working group, including private sector representatives from both nations, tasked with identifying and dismantling barriers to trade and regional competitiveness.
"The objective is the enhancement of our bilateral relationship and greater integration of the people and economies of both countries," the statement said.
The move comes as Guyana continues its rapid transformation into a global oil power, while Trinidad and Tobago seeks to leverage its long-standing expertise in natural gas and petrochemicals to bolster regional energy security.
The two leaders also discussed strengthening security cooperation and investment opportunities. During the meeting, President Ali expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's support regarding Guyana's territorial integrity, a reference to the ongoing border dispute with neighbouring Venezuela. The Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago is expected to make an official visit to Guyana in the near future to further formalize the agreements.
During his visit to Port of Spain, President Ali was accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Service Zulfikar Ally, and Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith, along with private sector representatives.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar was joined by Attorney General John Jeremie, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers, Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath, and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Roodal Moonilal.