Guyana and Venezuela sign intelligence sharing agreement
Guyana and Venezuela signed an agreement today as part of an ongoing bi-lateral framework of cooperation. The signing was the highlight of an official visit by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua Milano and his delegation that included Nutrition and Food Safety Minister Felix Osorio.
The agreement was inked between Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and her Venezuelan counterpart to extend the level of cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. The agreement will result in more intelligence sharing and assistance with drug rehabilitation efforts locally. Via the social fund of the PetroCaribe oil concessionary agreement, the new Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, Region Five, constructed at a cost of US$2 million, will be used to house destitute persons some of whom are former addicts.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett signing an agreement with Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Elias Jaua Milano (left).
Also in photo is Venezuelan Minister of Nutrition and Food Safety Felix Osorio
In brief remarks Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that government values, greatly, its friendship with the neighbouring state. “The relationship between our two countries has never been better”.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Milano noted, “We are working against diminishing or fighting against drugs and creating also the mechanism to cooperate to prevent addictions”.
He also thanked Guyana for its support and messages of solidarity during the illness and subsequent passing of former President Hugo Chavez. He said that despite actions by that country’s political opposition, his government remains strong and current Head of State Nicolas Maduro will continue to follow the Bolivarian principles as he governs and maintains the late president’s policies.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett speaking after the signing ceremony for two agreements. In photo are Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Elias Jaua Milano (left), Minister of Nutrition and Food Safety Felix Osorio and Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy
A second agreement was signed between Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy and Venezuelan Nutrition and Food Safety Minister Osorio for the supply of 140,000 tonnes of paddy and 70,000 tonnes of white rice.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett presents a sculpture to her Venezuelan counterpart Elias Jaua Milano
Guyana and Venezuela have had a long relationship and are expanding their level of cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, trade and technological support.
