Russia - Guyana

Guyana

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE USSR AND THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA IN THE 1970-1980-S 

The diplomatic relations between the USSR and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana were established on December 17, 1970. The political cooperation between the USSR and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana developed actively. L. F. S. Burnham, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, paid an official visit to Moscow in April 1978. Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Leader of the Opposition, travelled to Russia more than once. The delegation of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR visited the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in 1988.

Throughout the 1970-1980-s the two states signed agreements on cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, culture, science, sea fishing, etc. In the course of the 1980-s within the framework of trade and scientific-technical cooperation the Cooperative Republic of Guyana exported bauxites to the USSR whereas the Soviet Union exported machinery to Guyana.

RELATIONS BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA IN THE 1990-2000-S

On January 8, 1992 Guyana officially recognized the Russian Federation as the USSR’s successor. In 1995 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana signed the bilateral protocol on political consultations. Since then serveral rounds of such political consultations have taken place (the latest – in November 2013). 

The relations between the two states have been recently developing vibrantly. In May 2003 H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, visited Moscow. During the visit a meeting between President V. Putin and President B.Jagdeo took place. 

In 2004 Guyana and Russia concluded the intergovernmental agreement on the settlement of debts of Guyana. In accordance with the above the Russian Federation cancelled a total of US $16,295 mln. representing 98,32% of Guyana’s debt to the Russian Federation. In 2013 the Russian Federation cancelled the remaining part of debt of Guyana in the sum of US $ 277 000. 

In 2005 the two countries signed the agreement on visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports of the Russian Federation and diplomatic passports of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. In 2010 Guyana unilaterally cancelled visa requirements for the Russian citizens. 

In January 2007 during the visit of H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, to Moscow the second meeting between President V. Putin and President B. Jagdeo took place.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA NOWADAYS

The cooperation in an economic field is on the rise. In 2013 the bilateral trade exceeded US $2 mln. 

“RUSAL”, Russian aluminum producer, set up a joint venture with the Guyanese state-owned bauxite enterprise  BCGI in 2004. 

Since the start of its operations it brought prominent tax revenue to the state budget of Guyana paying US $10,8 million in corporate taxes, $1,3 US million in royalties for its operations and $3 US million for National Insurance Scheme. The company employs directly or indirectly about 1000 Guyanese. Since 2005 more than $78 US million were invested into the mining sector. 

In December 2012 Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Guyana Hon. Robert Persaud handed over to the company a Certificate of Recognition as a top bauxite declarant for 2012. 

BCGI has been pursuing a socially responsible policy in the areas of its operations and beyond. In Aroaima, Ladersville and Hururu BCGI has been facilitating water supply as well as TV transmission. On a monthly basis the company supports transportation of children from Hururu and Ladernville to Kwarkwani. Schools in Aroaima and Kwakwani have received computers from the company. 

Teachers of Aroaima primary school are paid stipends by BCGI. Young people from the community undergo training to operate heavy machinery. 

In September of 2011 the company sponsored a group of students from Aroaima to study at the prestigious People’s Friendship University of Russia. The new specialists will return in 5 years to contribute to Guyana economy. 

During the period of 2013 - 2015 RUSAL is planning to invest US$90 million in the industry. Firm intentions to do so are manifested in brining 130 pieces of heavy-duty and light machinery equipment to Guyana in March, 2012. 

Along with RUSAL other Russian companies have also invested over a period of time in exploration of mineral resources in Guyana. 

In 2005 the agreement on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry was signed.

COOPERATION BETWEEN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE AND OTHER FIELDS

Another field of bilateral cooperation is education. Approximately 200 Guyanese nationals graduated from Soviet and Russian higher educational institutions work in Guyana today. The practice of teaching Guyanese students in Russian educational institutions resumed in 2004. On the annual basis the Government of the Russian Federation grants scholarships in various fields, including engineering, medicine, ICT etc. 

Russian People’s Friendship University and University of Guyana in 2003 signed agreement on cooperation. 

Cultural exchange is an integral part of the Russian-Guyanese cooperation. The tour of Russian Cossack Folk Dance and Ensemble was organized with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (2004). The festival of the Russian classic films on World War II was held in Georgetown in 2005. 

In 2013 a Youth Ambassador from Guyana participated in the work of the International Youth Educational Forum SELIGER in Russia. 

During the International Drug Enforcement Conference in Moscow (June 5-7, 2013) Minister of Home Affairs of Guyana and his counterpart the Deputy Director of the Federal Drug Control Service held a meeting to discuss a “Plan of Action” that would facilitate further training and information sharing in relation to investigation and operations. 

Since 2013 Guyanese police officers commenced regular training at short and long term courses at the Police Universities of Russia.