Guyana and Suriname Agree on Way Forward For Construction of Bridge

• The Presidents of Guyana and Suriname have instructed their respective officials to enter the next phase of the construction of a bridge over the Corentijn/Corentyne River linking the two countries.

• A joint statement issued following weekend talks between Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, Chandrikapersad Santokhi noted that the officials will now engage in “discussions on prices, technical aspects, financing and operational modalities with the common goal of optimizing affordability and concessionality”.

• The bridge is expected to cost an estimated US$300Mn and the statement said that both leaders “reaffirmed the importance of this fixed link between their two neighbours in the broader context of South American connectivity, as part of the overall objective of regional integration and trilateral cooperation between Suriname, Guyana and Brazil”.

• ”From a bilateral perspective the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana recognised the importance of the historic and friendly relations between the peoples and governments of both countries. It was further recognised that both countries are currently poised to become major players in energy and food security in this region.

• ”Establishing a fixed link between the two neighbouring countries will undoubtedly increase the flow of people, strengthen agricultural cooperation, facilitate trade and investment and promote tourism, thereby contributing in a diversified manner to economic growth that is expected to deliver sustainable prosperity for both the Surinamese and Guyanese population,” the statement added.

(Source: Caribbean Today)