Doha, September 10 (QNA) - HE President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali stressed that the State of Qatar and Guyana share a firmly held vision based on the importance of peaceful coexistence among peoples, and that conflict prevention begins with establishing strong frameworks and agendas that promote peace and address the root causes of tensions before they escalate into conflicts. 
He noted that Qatar plays a prominent role in serving humanity around the world and supports social and health development initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency stressed that peace is achieved through dialogue and a commitment to finding solutions to complex issues. He noted that Guyana shares Qatar’s vision of fostering an ecosystem that encourages dialogue and consensus-building through joint action, commitment, respect, and adherence to agreements.
He explained that his current visit to Qatar aims to further cement and expand that framework of development between Guyana, adding that the two countries’ historic relations are based on shared aspirations and are moving toward greater cooperation in the areas of human capital development, energy, transportation, investment, food security, and climate security.
His Excellency said that relations between the two countries have evolved from cooperation in the fields of diplomacy and social development into a broader partnership, alongside a diverse range of opportunities that the two countries are seeking to develop.
"Qatar is an important partner for Guyana. Qatar is a global leader, not only in energy, but also in securing global peace, advancing global responsibility in relation to education and environment. There are many areas where Qatar is providing strong support and global leadership," he added, expressing his hope for enhanced technical support.
He noted that the visit provides an opportunity to showcase the investment opportunities available in his country to Qatar’s private sector and government entities, and to encourage investors to take advantage of them. Guyana, he said, offers fertile ground for Qatari investment not only in the energy sector but across all fields, particularly food security.
He explained that his country has abundant freshwater resources and vast areas of arable land, pointing out that combining Qatar’s available capital and technology with Guyana’s agricultural potential could open exceptional prospects for cooperation.
HE President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana also affirmed that there are significant opportunities in the mining sector in his country, in addition to the potential to benefit from technical support that Qatari institutions can provide in building national capacities and managing the energy sector and its associated economic opportunities.
Regarding Qatari investments in Guyana, he said that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is pursuing some initiatives in Guyana, including opportunities in agriculture and mining, while also exploring an expanded role in the energy sector. He noted that QatarEnergy is considering other areas for development and opportunities to expand its investment portfolio in Guyana, adding that discussions and interest between the two sides are ongoing.
Regarding the balance between oil development and climate commitments, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana told QNA that his country is not relying solely on general efforts to protect the environment, but is implementing concrete measures, plans, and initiatives. He expressed his hope that Qatar would become a strategic partner in the field of environmental services.
He explained that Guyana is pursuing a Low Carbon Development Strategy, with forests covering 85 percent of its territory. The country records the world’s lowest rate of deforestation and retains approximately 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon.
He added that Guyana has a major carbon market and has obtained special jurisdictional certification. He expressed his hope that the Guyanese carbon credits would enter Middle Eastern and global markets, with Qatar serving as a strategic partner in promoting them.
His Excellency called on Qatar to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, praising the role of Qatar Foundation in protecting mangrove forests. He affirmed that bilateral cooperation extends beyond the energy, oil, and gas sectors to encompass a comprehensive strategic partnership in the areas of climate, the climate economy, environmental services, and biodiversity.
On the subject of air connectivity, he revealed that fruitful meetings had been held with Qatar Airways regarding the launch of direct flights between Doha and Georgetown. He affirmed that integrating Guyana into the Qatari carrier’s expansion plans and route network development is among his country’s top priorities.
On development and healthcare, he praised Qatar’s advanced capabilities in the healthcare sectors, highlighting a medical cooperation program under which Qatari specialist doctors were sent to Guyana to support healthcare services and human capital development.
He also noted his country’s efforts to integrate into the Qatar Foundation ecosystem in order to benefit from its educational expertise, curriculum development, and workforce training, as well as to cooperate in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and religious studies.
HE President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, concluded his interview with QNA by emphasizing the pivotal importance of cultural cooperation. He stressed Guyana’s commitment to building an educational system that preserves national identity and strengthens the cultural distinctiveness of its people. (QNA)