Guyana’s President Mohammed Irfan Ali has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “pioneer among leaders” and praising his leadership and contribution to developing countries.
During a meeting in Georgetown, President Ali praised Prime Minister Modi’s style of governance and said, “It is a great honor for us that you are here. You are the leader among leaders. “You have shown great leadership, shown a new path towards developing countries and created development standards that many countries are adopting.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Guyana on Tuesday after the G20 summit in Brazil. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years. President Ali, his counterpart Mark Anthony Phillips and several cabinet ministers were present to welcome him.
Negotiations and bilateral agreements
Prime Minister Modi met President Ali at the State House in Georgetown. The two leaders held extensive discussions on issues such as defence, energy, health, digital public infrastructure and UPI. In addition, bilateral agreements were signed in several areas, including agriculture and technology transfer. During this, both the leaders also planted a sapling under the ‘A Tree in the Name of the Mother’ initiative.
Prime Minister Modi said: “I feel very proud to arrive in Guyana. Grateful for the welcome at the airport by President Dr Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips and senior ministers. “I am sure that this visit will further strengthen the friendship between our countries.”
PM Modi’s emphasis on ‘personal connection’ with Guyana
The Prime Minister said he has a special connection with Guyana. “I came here 24 years ago. Today I have the privilege of coming as Prime Minister. Our relations were established 180 years ago by people who came here from India. Today the Indian community is playing an important role in the development of Guyana.”
Modi also noted that India last year provided two Dornier aircraft to boost Guyana’s defense capability and promised to help through training and scholarships for soldiers. He described President Ali as a “great brand ambassador” of the Indian community.
New dimensions of India-Guyana cooperation
President Ali described Prime Minister Modi’s visit as an “important milestone” in enhancing cooperation between India and Guyana.
Prime Minister Modi will also attend the second India-CARICOM summit, where he will meet leaders of Caribbean countries to discuss issues such as renewable energy and climate change. Previously, he had participated in the first India-CARICOM Summit during the 74th United Nations General Assembly.
