Foreign relations of Guyana
After independence in 1966, Guyana sought an influential role in international affairs, particularly among Third World and non-aligned nations. It served twice on the UN Security Council (1975–76 and 1982–83). Former Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Attorney General Mohamed Shahabuddeen served a 9-year term on the International Court of Justice (1987–96).
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Guyana has diplomatic relations with a wide range of nations, and these managed primarily through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The European Union (EU), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Organization of American States (OAS) have offices in Georgetown.
Guyana strongly supports the concept of regional integration. It played an important role in the founding of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), but its status as the organization's poorest member limits its ability to exert leadership in regional activities. Guyana has sought to keep foreign policy in close alignment with the consensus of CARICOM members, especially in voting in the UN, OAS, and other international organizations. In 1993, Guyana ratified the 1988 Vienna Convention on illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and cooperates with US law enforcement agencies on counter-narcotics efforts.
Two neighbours have longstanding territorial disputes with Guyana. Since the 19th century, Venezuela has claimed all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River – 62% of Guyana's territory. At a meeting in Geneva in 1966, the two countries agreed to receive recommendations from a representative of the UN Secretary General on ways to settle the dispute peacefully. Diplomatic contacts between the two countries and the Secretary General's representative continue. Neighbouring Suriname also claims the territory east of Guyana's New River, a largely uninhabited area of some 15,000 square kilometres (5,800 sq mi) in southeast Guyana. Guyana and Suriname also disputed their offshore maritime boundaries. This dispute flared up in June 2000 in response to an effort by a Canadian company to drill for oil under a Guyanese concession. Guyana regards its legal title to all of its territory as sound. However, the dispute with Suriname was arbitrated by the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea and a ruling in favor of Guyana was announced in September 2007.[1][2][3]
Guyana is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).
Disputes – international
All of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname claims area east of the New Upper Courantyne.
Illicit drugs
Transshipment point for narcotics from South America – primarily Venezuela – to Europe and the United States; producer of cannabis.
Relations by country
Africa
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Algeria | 20 September 1976 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1976.[4] |
Angola | 24 July 1977 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 July 1977.[5] |
Botswana | 1975 |
|
Burkina Faso | 23 September 1987 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 September 1987.[8] |
Egypt | 10 September 1971 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 September 1971.[9] |
Eswatini | 1977 |
|
Ethiopia | 13 October 1970 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 October 1970.[6] |
Gambia | 24 September 2009 |
|
Ghana | 14 May 1979 |
|
Guinea | 8 June 1970 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1970.[12] |
Kenya | December 1970 |
|
Lesotho | 25 August 1979 |
|
Liberia | 11 November 1974 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 November 1974.[14] |
Libya | 9 August 1972 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 August 1972.[15] |
Mauritius | 1 December 1992 |
|
Morocco | 2012 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 2012.[17] |
Mozambique | 21 August 1975 |
|
Namibia | 1994 |
|
Niger | 25 June 1979 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1979.[19] |
Nigeria | 27 June 1970 |
|
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic | 28 September 2012 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 2012.[21] |
Senegal | 10 November 2009 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 November 2009.[22] |
Seychelles | 28 April 1993 |
|
Sierra Leone | 1974 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 October 1974.[24] |
South Africa | 4 November 1994 |
|
Tanzania | 28 December 1970 |
|
Uganda | 21 July 1970 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1970.[27] |
Zambia | 11 February 1971 |
|
Zimbabwe | 19 June 1980 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 June 1980.[6] |
Americas
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Antigua and Barbuda | 3 February 1982 |
|
Argentina | 6 October 1972 |
|
Bahamas | 10 July 1973 |
|
Barbados | See Barbados–Guyana relations
The relations between Guyana and Barbados had its genesis to a time when both Guyana (then British Guiana) and Barbados were both British colonies. Shortly after Great Britain secured British Guiana from the Dutch, waves of migrants were encouraged to move and settle in Guyana. Barbados was one such location where large numbers of migrants came from. Through time Barbados and Guyana have both supported each other. With the move towards independence in the region Guyana was seen as the breadbasket of the wider Caribbean which led to yet more waves of Barbadians seeking to move to Guyana for better opportunities. Relations have been rocky, during the 1990s, immigration became contentious for Guyanese persons to Barbados. Such terms as the "Guyanese bench" in the immigration area of the Barbados Sir Grantley Adams International Airport have tested both states at times. The two nations continue their cooperation through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and work towards building and maintaining good relations between their nationals. Both nations also attempt to maintain open communications at high levels of both Governments. More recently the Guyanese Government has extended an offer to Barbadians.[31][32] The Guyanese government has offered to put in place an economically favourable regime towards any Barbadians that wish to relocate to Guyana and contribute towards that nation's goals in agricultural investment.[33] The announcement was made in the final days of the Owen Arthur administration by MP member Mia Motley. In the early 1990s the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning pitched an initiative for Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to enter into some form of political union or political association. This initiative was short lived and didn't proceed following the Democratic Labour Party's defeat during the 1994 elections. | |
Belize |
| |
Brazil | See Brazil–Guyana relations
Brazil–Guyana relations have traditionally been close. Brazil has provided military assistance to Guyana in the form of war fare training and logistics. Bilateral relations between the countries have recently increased, as a result of Brazil's new South-South foreign policy aimed to strengthen South American integration. During a state visit by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Georgetown on 2 March 2007, the governments of Guyana and Brazil signed several cooperation agreements and announced plans to boost trade between the two countries. | |
Bolivia | 12 March 1987 |
|
Canada |
Canada started relations with Guyana in 1964[36] with the construction of the Commission of Canada in Georgetown. In 1966 it became a Canadian High Commission. There is a Guyanese High Commission in Ottawa and a Guyanese Consulate in Toronto. Canada and Guyana have strong ties through the Commonwealth of Nations. There is an estimated 200,000 Guyanese living in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Guyanese police work closely to help with drug, and human smuggling. | |
Chile | 1971 |
|
Colombia | 18 December 1970 |
|
Costa Rica | 17 April 1974 |
|
Cuba | 8 December 1972 |
|
Dominica | 3 November 1978 |
Dominica and Guyana have established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1978.[39] Guyana has a High Commission in Roseau.[40] |
Dominican Republic | 19 October 1970 |
|
Ecuador | 2 July 1974 |
|
El Salvador | 1 May 1992 |
|
Guatemala | 1992 |
|
Haiti | 6 October 1970 |
|
Honduras | 1 May 1992 |
|
Jamaica | 26 May 1966 |
|
Mexico | 1 March 1973 | See Guyana–Mexico relations
|
Nicaragua | 23 November 1981 |
|
Panama | 1973 |
|
Paraguay | 1994 |
|
Peru | 1971 |
|
Saint Lucia | 22 February 1979 |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 27 October 1979 | |
Suriname | 25 November 1975 | See Guyana–Suriname relations
|
Trinidad and Tobago | 26 May 1966 | See Guyana-Trinidad and Tobago relations
Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have had historically close ties due to their shared culture, history, dominion under the British empire, demographics and religion. Both Countries have a substantial population of Hindus from indentured servitude from India along with a large African population from Africa. Both countries are a part of the Commonwealth of Nations and CARICOM. Trinidad was the largest forgiver of debt in the 1990s Paris Club Agreement to Guyana, forgiving Hundred of Millions of Debt. A substantial amount of Guyanese people live in Trinidad and Tobago. In recent years, relations between the two countries warmed with Guyana establishing its First Diplomatic Mission in Port of Spain in 2017. In 2018, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation. |
United States | See Guyana–United States relations
U.S. policy toward The Co-operative Republic of Guyana seeks to develop robust, sustainable democratic institutions, laws, and political practices; support economic growth and development; and promote stability and security. During the last years of his administration, President Hoyte sought to improve relations with the United States as part of a decision to move his country toward genuine political nonalignment. Relations also were improved by Hoyte's efforts to respect human rights, invite international observers for the 1992 elections, and reform electoral laws. The United States also welcomed the Hoyte government's economic reform and efforts, which stimulated investment and growth. The 1992 democratic elections and Guyana's reaffirmation of sound economic policies and respect for human rights have placed U.S.-Guyanese relations on an excellent footing. Under successive PPP governments, the United States and Guyana continued to improve relations. President Cheddi Jagan was committed to democracy, adopted more free market policies, and pursued sustainable development for Guyana's environment.
| |
Uruguay | 1985 |
|
Venezuela | See Guyana–Venezuela relations
Venezuela claimed more than half of the territory of the British colony of Guyana at the time of the Latin American wars of independence, a dispute that was settled by arbitration in 1899. In 1962 Venezuela declared that it would no longer abide by the arbitration decision, which ceded mineral-rich territory in the Orinoco basin to Guyana. The area is called Guayana Esequiba by Venezuela. A border commission was set up in 1966 with representatives from Guyana, Venezuela and Great Britain, but failed to reach agreement. Venezuela vetoed Guyana's bid to become a member of the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1967. In 1969 Venezuela backed an abortive uprising in the disputed area. Under intense diplomatic pressure, Venezuela agreed in 1970 to a 12-year moratorium on the dispute with the Protocol of Port-of-Spain. In 1981, Venezuela refused to renew the protocol. However, with changes to the governments of both countries relations improved, to the extent that in 1990 Venezuela sponsored Guyana's bid for OAS membership in 1990.[55][56] |
Asia
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Cambodia | 1973 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1973.[6] |
China |
| |
India | See Guyana–India relations
Relations between India and Guyana ever since the independence of Guyana in May 1966 have been cordial.[58] The cordiality in the relation remains unaffected with changes in governments either in India or in Guyana. Late Shrimati Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, visited Guyana in 1968, late Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then Vice President of India visited Guyana in 1988 and Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Vice President of India came on a state visit to Guyana in 2006.[58] The cooperation between the two countries in sharing developmental experience is mainly routed through Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) under which forty scholarships are granted every year in various courses. Besides, some experts are also deputed to Guyana from time to time on request in specified areas of activity. Several other scholarships are also available to Guyanese to pursue long-term courses, to get acquainted with India and to learn Hindi language in India. India has offered credit facilities to Guyana for use in mutually accepted designated fields, agriculture and information technology, being two of these. Indian companies have also expressed interest in bio fuel, energy, minerals and pharmaceuticals. Total trade turn over remains low, though the trend is positive. Indian Cultural Centre in Georgetown was established in 1972 with the objective of strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and Guyana and their peoples. The Centre runs regular classes in Yoga and Dance (Kathak). The Centre has a well equipped Auditorium where cultural events are organised on a regular basis. The teachers and students of ICC participate in events by the local community on various occasions round the year. The Centre has a library with books/publications on history, literature, art, culture, mythology and works of eminent scholars and authors. An important cultural connection between India and Guyana is cricket. With the advent of the Indian Premier League, many Guyanese players were contracted to play in India.[58] | |
Indonesia | 27 August 1999 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 August 1999.[6] |
Israel | 9 March 1992 |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1992.[6] |
Japan | June 1967 |
|
Malaysia | 26 April 1976 |
|
Maldives | 13 April 1994 |
|
Mongolia | 1979 |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1979.[6] |
North Korea | 18 May 1974[62] | See Foreign relations of North Korea |
Pakistan |
Guyana and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 10 November 1967. Islamabad pursues expansion of trade relations between the two countries and expressed interest in establishing a Guyana trade mission in Pakistan. Both the countries have over the years expressed desire to pursue opportunities for enhanced cooperation in human resource development, science and technology, information technology, trade and investment. Strengthening of the Guyana/Pakistan relationship can be extended further in many areas including culture and trade as the two prospects. There are common interests which the two countries share as members of the Commonwealth and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) among others. Guyana and Pakistan share a lot of commonalities, including the passion and love for cricket. | |
Palestine |
Guyana recognised the independence of the State of Palestine on 13 January 2011.[63] On that very same day, Guyana and Palestine both established formal diplomatic relations.[64] | |
Singapore | 19 September 2002 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 September 2002.[65][66] |
South Korea | 13 June 1968[67] |
The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Guyana started on 13 June 1968.[67] |
Sri Lanka | 1974 |
|
Turkey | 2005[68] | See Guyana–Turkey relations
|
Turkmenistan | 1997 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 June 1997.[71] |
Vietnam | 19 April 1975 |
Europe
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Albania | 1 May 1985 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 May 1985.[6] |
Armenia | 24 October 2003 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 October 2003.[74] |
Belarus | 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2000.[6] |
Croatia | 25 February 2003 | |
Cyprus | 11 May 2011 |
|
Czech Republic | 1 January 1993 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.[6] |
Denmark | 16 November 1979 | |
Estonia | 19 April 1997 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 April 1997.[6] |
Finland | 1979 |
|
France | 1967 |
|
Germany | 1966 |
|
Georgia | 23 April 2012 |
|
Greece | 14 May 1979 | |
Kosovo | 13 July 2013 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 July 2013.[87] Kosovo and Guyana have excellent relationships. |
Hungary | 1975 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1975.[6] |
Iceland | 2005 |
Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 10 March 2005.[6][88] |
Ireland | 2 February 2000 |
|
Italy | 12 April 1967 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 1967.[6] |
Latvia | 16 March 2005 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 March 2005.[6] |
Lithuania | 25 January 2012 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 2012.[6] |
Malta | 12 March 1976 |
|
Montenegro | 2011 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2011.[6] |
Netherlands | 1970 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 May 1970.[6] |
North Macedonia | 22 September 2003 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 September 2003.[6] |
Norway | 1979 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 August 1979.[6] |
Romania | 20 June 1973 | |
Russia | 17 December 1970 | See Guyana–Russia relations
|
Serbia | 5 November 1968 | |
Sweden | 1975 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 June 1975.[6] |
Ukraine | 2001 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 November 2001.[6] |
United Kingdom |
Oceania
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Australia |
| |
Fiji | 2014 |
|
New Zealand | 1971 |
|
Solomon Islands | 26 November 1996 |
|
See also
References and notes
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- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2019.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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- Guyana's Diplomatic & Consular Representatives
- "Non-resident ambassador of Guyana presents letter of accreditation to the President of Mexico (in Spanish)". Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- Embassy of Mexico in Georgetown (in English and Spanish)
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- [ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)]
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- "The Trail of Diplomacy". Guyana News and Information. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
- China ministry of foreign affairs
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- Ministry of foreign affairs of Japan
- Japanese embassy in Port of Spain
- Wertz, Daniel; Oh, JJ; Kim, Insung (August 2016). Issue Brief: DPRK Diplomatic Relations (PDF). The National Committee on North Korea. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- Government of Guyana (13 January 2011). "Statement by the Government of Guyana in Recognition of the State of Palestine". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 12 May 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011. "The Government of Guyana has today decided to formally recognize the State of Palestine as a free, independent, and sovereign state, based on its 1967 borders."
- "Guyana recognizes a Palestinian state". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 14 January 2011.
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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- http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/latinamerica/countries/20070803/1_24572.jsp?menu=m_30_30%5B%5D
- "II.Bilateral Relations (Main Documents)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
- "Relations between Turkey and Guyana".
- "Relations between Turkey and Guyana".
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Vietnam
- "Ministry of foreign affairs of Vietnam". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- "Ministry of foreign affairs of Armenia". Archived from the original on 20 April 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Croatia
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Croatia
- "Cyprus Foreign ministry" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- Cyprus Foreign ministry
- "Danish Consulate in Guyana". Danish embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
- "Embassy of France in Paramaribo". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- French ministry of foreign affairs (in French)
- German Ministry of foreign affairs
- Germany's embassy in Port of Spain
- "Ministry of foreign affairs of Georgia". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- Greek Ministry of foreign affairs
- "Guajana zyrtarizon njohjen e Kosovës". 21 February 2015. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Romania
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Serbia
- Ministry of foreign affairs of Serbia
- High Commission of Guyana in London
- High Commission of the United Kingdom in Georgetown
- Australia's High Commission in Port of Spain
- Australia's Department of foreign affairs and trade