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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Nations with which Guyana has diplomatic relations.

Guyana has diplomatic relations with a wide range of nations, and these are 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.

Regional relations

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.

International disputes

All of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname claims area east of the Upper Courantyne.

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]

Crime

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. 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).

Guyana has been considered a transshipment point for narcotics from South America, primarily Venezuela, to Europe and the United States and producer of cannabis.

Relations by country

List of countries which Guyana has diplomatic relations with:[4][5]

  1.  Canada – 26 May 1966
  2.  India – 26 May 1966
  3.  Trinidad and Tobago – 26 May 1966
  4.  United Kingdom – 26 May 1966
  5.  United States – 15 August 1966
  6.  Germany – 2 September 1966
  7.  Venezuela – 25 November 1966
  8.  Barbados – 30 November 1966
  9.  Italy – 12 April 1967
  10.  France – 22 June 1967
  11.  Pakistan – 10 November 1967
  12.  Serbia – 5 November 1968
  13.  Brazil – 18 December 1968
  14.  Jamaica – 20 June 1969[6]
  15.  South Korea – 2 October 1969
  16.  Japan – 11 June 1969
  17.  Netherlands – 15 May 1970
  18.  Guinea – 8 June 1970
  19.  Uganda – 21 July 1970
  20.  Haiti – 6 October 1970
  21.  Ethiopia – 13 October 1970
  22.  Dominican Republic – 19 October 1970
  23.  Russia – 17 December 1970
  24.  Colombia – 18 December 1970
  25.  Tanzania – 28 December 1970
  26.  Kenya – December 1970
  27.  Zambia – 11 February 1971
  28.  Belgium – 10 June 1971
  29.  Peru – 17 July 1971
  30.  Chile – 22 July 1971
  31.  Egypt – 10 September 1971
  32.  Cyprus – 11 February 1972
  33.  Bangladesh – 24 March 1972
  34.  Poland – 10 June 1972
  35.  China – 27 June 1972
  36.  Libya – 9 August 1972
  37.  Argentina – 6 October 1972
  38.  Cuba – 8 December 1972
  39.  Austria – 3 April 1973
  40.  Mexico – 1 March 1973
  41.  Panama – 16 March 1973
  42.  Turkey – 2 May 1973
  43.  Australia – 14 May 1973
  44.  Syria – 19 June 1973
  45.  Romania – 20 June 1973
  46.  Bahamas – 10 July 1973
  47.  Cambodia – 5 September 1973
  48.  Costa Rica – 17 April 1974
  49.  North Korea – 18 May 1974
  50.  Ecuador – 2 July 1974
  51.  Sri Lanka – 14 July 1974
  52.  New Zealand – 1 September 1974
  53.  Iraq – 22 September 1974
  54.  Sierra Leone – 25 October 1974
  55.  Liberia – 11 November 1974
  56.  Vietnam – 19 April 1975
  57.  Sweden – 16 June 1975
  58.  Mozambique – 21 August 1975
  59.  Botswana – 28 October 1975
  60.  Suriname – 25 November 1975
  61.  Malta – 12 March 1976
  62.  Malaysia – 26 April 1976
  63.  Nigeria – 2 August 1976
  64.  Algeria – 20 September 1976
  65.  Bulgaria – 25 March 1977
  66.   Switzerland – 24 May 1977
  67.  Angola – 24 July 1977
  68.  Dominica – 3 November 1978
  69.  Portugal – 5 December 1978
  70.  Saint Lucia – 22 February 1979
  71.  Finland – 2 April 1979
  72.  Ghana – 14 May 1979
  73.  Greece – 14 May 1979
  74.  Niger – 25 June 1979
  75.  Norway – 2 August 1979
  76.  Lesotho – 25 August 1979
  77.  Spain – 12 October 1979
  78.  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 27 October 1979
  79.  Denmark – 16 November 1979
  80.  Mongolia – 15 December 1979
  81.  Grenada – February 1980
  82.  Yemen – 14 June 1980
  83.  Zimbabwe – 19 June 1980
  84.  Nicaragua – 23 November 1981
  85.  Antigua and Barbuda – 3 February 1982
  86.  Albania – 1 May 1985
  87.  Uruguay – 3 June 1985
  88.  Iran – 6 September 1986
  89.  Bolivia – 12 March 1987
  90.  Burkina Faso – 23 September 1987
  91.  Thailand – 17 December 1987
  92.  Brunei – 20 June 1990
  93.  Israel – 9 March 1992
  94.  Guatemala – 1 May 1992
  95.  El Salvador – 1 May 1992
  96.  Mauritius – 1 December 1992
  97.  Czech Republic – 1 January 1993
  98.  Slovakia – 1 January 1993
  99.  Eswatini – 26 February 1993
  100.  Seychelles – 28 April 1993
  101.  Maldives – 13 April 1994
  102.  Paraguay – 14 April 1994
  103.    Nepal – 22 June 1994
  104.  South Africa – 4 November 1994
  105.  Namibia – 13 November 1994
  106.  United Arab Emirates – 6 February 1995
  107.  Lebanon – 2 March 1995
  108.  Kuwait – 17 August 1995
  109.  Azerbaijan – 1 September 1995
  110.  Oman – 17 January 1996
  111.  Qatar – 23 August 1996
  112.  Solomon Islands – 26 November 1996
  113.  Estonia – 19 April 1997
  114.   Holy See – 9 June 1997
  115.  Turkmenistan – 11 June 1997
  116.  Bahrain – 19 November 1997
  117.  Jordan – 19 August 1998
  118.  Sovereign Military Order of Malta – 19 May 1999
  119.  Indonesia – 27 August 1999
  120.  Ireland – 2 February 1999
  121.  Belarus – 25 February 2000
  122.  Ukraine – 15 November 2001
  123.  Singapore – 19 September 2002
  124.  North Macedonia – 22 September 2003
  125.  Armenia – 24 October 2003[7]
  126.  Iceland – 10 March 2005
  127.  Latvia – 16 March 2005
  128.  Croatia – 25 September 2006
  129.  Slovenia – 20 April 2007
  130.  Philippines – 25 September 2008
  131.  Luxembourg – 17 June 2009
  132.  Gambia – 24 September 2009
  133.  Senegal – 10 November 2009
  134.  Montenegro – 21 September 2011
  135.  Lithuania – 25 January 2012
  136.  Saudi Arabia – 22 February 2012
  137.  Georgia – 23 April 2012
  138.  Tuvalu – 28 September 2012
  139.  Morocco – 14 December 2012
  140.  Kazakhstan – 15 January 2013[8]
  141.  State of Palestine – 21 February 2013
  142.  Bosnia and Herzegovina – 9 May 2013[9]
  143.  Kosovo – 13 June 2013
  144.  Moldova – 12 September 2013
  145.  Fiji – 8 December 2014
  146.  Kyrgyzstan – 23 September 2016[9]
  147.  San Marino – 17 February 2019[10]
  148.  Belize – Unknown date[11]
  149.  Saint Kitts and Nevis – Unknown date[12]

Africa
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Botswana1975
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 28 October 1975.[13]
  • Guyana is covered through the Botswana Mission in New York City.[14]
  • Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations.
 Namibia1994
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1994.[13]
  • Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Guyana is accredited to Namibia from its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Namibia is accredited to Guyana from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
 South Africa4 November 1994
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 November 1994.[15]
  • South Africa is represented in Guyana through its High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica.[15]

Americas
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina6 October 1972
 BarbadosSee 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.[17][18] 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.[19] The announcement was made in the final days of the Owen Arthur administration by MP member Mia Mottley.

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.

 BrazilSee 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.

 Canada

Canada started relations with Guyana in 1964[20] 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.

Guyana's largest import from Canada is machinery (CAD $13 mil), and export is precious metals (CAD$482 mil).[21] Food exports generally cater to Canada's Guyanese diaspora population.[22]

 Dominica3 November 1978

Dominica and Guyana have established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1978.[23]

 Mexico1 March 1973See Guyana–Mexico relations
  • Guyana is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States.[25]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Georgetown.[26]
 Suriname25 November 1975See Guyana–Suriname relations
 Trinidad and Tobago26 May 1966See 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 number 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 StatesSee 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.

  • Guyana has an embassy in Washington, DC and a consulate-general in New York City.
  • United States has an embassy in Georgetown.[27]
 Uruguay1985
 VenezuelaSee 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.[28][29]

Asia
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 IndiaSee Guyana–India relations

Relations between India and Guyana ever since the independence of Guyana in May 1966 have been cordial.[30] 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.[30]

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.[30]

 TurkeySee Guyana–Turkey relations

Europe
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Croatia25 February 2003
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2003.[31]
  • Croatia is represented in Guyana through its Permanent Mission in New York City.[32]
 Cyprus11 May 2011
 Denmark16 November 1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 November 1979.[13]
  • Denmark is represented in Guyana, through its embassy in Brasília.[35]
  • Guyana is represented in Denmark, through its embassy in Brussels.
 Finland1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 1979.[13]
  • Guyana is represented in Finland by their embassy in Brussels, Belgium.
  • Finland also has an honorary consulate general in Georgetown.
 France1967
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 June 1967.[13]
  • France is represented in Guyana through its embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname.[36]
  • France has an honorary consulate in Guyana.[37]
  • Both countries have passed a number of bilateral treaties.[38]
 Germany1966
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966.[39]
  • Germany is represented in Guyana through its embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.[40]
 Georgia23 April 2012
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 2012.[41]
  • Bilateral political consultations between the Foreign Agencies cooperation is ongoing between both countries in political, legal, cultural, trade and economic relations. Cooperation concerning the academic exchanges is successfully implemented.[41]
 Greece14 May 1979
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 May 1979.[13]
  • Greece is represented in Guyana by its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela.[42]
  • Greece has provided Guyana with development aid in the past.[42]
 Russia17 December 1970See Guyana–Russia relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 December 1970.
  • Guyana is represented in Russia by its High Commission in( London, United Kingdom.
  • Russia is represented in Guyana by its embassy in Georgetown, Guyana.
 Serbia5 November 1968
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 November 1968.[43]
  • Serbia is represented in Guyana through its embassy in Washington, D.C.[44]
 United Kingdom
  • Guyana has a high commission in London.[45]
  • United Kingdom has a high commission in Georgetown.[46]

Oceania
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Australia

See also

References and notes
  1. "Welcome to guyanachronicle.com". Archived from the original on 6 April 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2007.
  2. Guyana to experience ‘massive' oil exploration this year
  3. Business: News in the Caribbean – Caribbean360.com Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Diplomatic relations". Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  5. "Countries with which Guyana has Establishment Diplomatic Relations" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  6. "Countries with which Jamaica has Established Diplomatic Relations". 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  7. "Guyana". MFA of Armenia. Retrieved 21 April 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. "Guyana and Kazakhstan establish diplomatic relations". 15 January 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. "Diplomatic relations between Guyana and ..." United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  10. "Guyana establishes diplomatic ties with San Marino". Guyana Chronicle. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  11. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. "ST. KITTS AND NEVIS' PRIME MINISTER CONGRATULATES GUYANA ON ITS 52nd ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE". 28 May 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  13. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. "Archived copy". www.mofaic.gov.bw. Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. "South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  16. http://eguya.cancilleria.gov.ar/
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 June 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 14 December 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 November 2007. Retrieved 14 December 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  20. Canada, Global Affairs (4 November 2008). "Canada - Guyana Relations". GAC. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  21. Canada, Global Affairs (4 November 2008). "Fact Sheet". www.canadainternational.gc.ca. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  22. "Guyana's exports to Canada enjoyed mixed blessings in last five years". Stabroek News. 31 October 2008. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  23. "Countries with which Guyana has Establishment Diplomatic Relations" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 March 2016.
  24. Guyana's Diplomatic & Consular Representatives
  25. "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.
  26. Embassy of Mexico in Georgetown (in English and Spanish)
  27. "Embassy of the United States in Georgetown". Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2014.
  28. "Relations with Venezuela". U.S. Library of Congress. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
  29. "The Trail of Diplomacy". Guyana News and Information. Retrieved 9 June 2009.
  30. Indian High Commission Guyana Archived 15 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  31. Ministry of foreign affairs of Croatia
  32. Ministry of foreign affairs of Croatia
  33. "Cyprus Foreign ministry" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  34. Cyprus Foreign ministry
  35. "Danish Consulate in Guyana". Danish embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2011.
  36. "Embassy of France in Paramaribo". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  37. "Ambassade de France au Suriname et au Guyana".
  38. French ministry of foreign affairs (in French)
  39. German Ministry of foreign affairs
  40. Germany's embassy in Port of Spain
  41. "Ministry of foreign affairs of Georgia". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  42. Greek Ministry of foreign affairs
  43. "Ministry of foreign affairs of Serbia". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  44. "Ministry of foreign affairs of Serbia". Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  45. High Commission of Guyana in London
  46. High Commission of the United Kingdom in Georgetown
  47. Australia's High Commission in Port of Spain
  48. Australia's Department of foreign affairs and trade
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