Canada's Mark Carney and Guyana's Irfaan Ali discuss trade and investment ties
The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact ahead of next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held brief talks with Guyana President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, October 14, the Canadian government said.
"The Prime Minister and the President discussed deepening ties in trade and investment between the two countries," Ottawa said in a statement.
The leaders also explored opportunities for greater cooperation, including through the Canada-Guyana Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Commercial Corporation.
According to the statement, Carney commended Ali's leadership on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The two agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda next month.
Long-standing relationship
The Canadian government described a close relationship built on more than 50 years of people-to-people ties, trade, a longstanding development programme and a security partnership.
Canada opened its High Commission in Georgetown in March 1964 and established full diplomatic relations after Guyana's independence in May 1966.
"There is a vibrant Diaspora with close to 100,000 Canadian-Guyanese citizens who call Canada home," the statement said, adding that hundreds of Guyanese students choose to study in Canada every year.
Guyana is one of Canada's largest merchandise trading partners among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, according to the statement.
Development and security
Ottawa said it continues to support Guyana's capacity-building efforts, with Canadian experts assisting various institutions. Its international assistance supports Guyana's work on climate resilience, economic growth and inclusive governance, with gender equality "at the forefront" in line with Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy.
Guyana is also a member of Canada's Military Cooperation Training Program. Canada has previously helped the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit strengthen their capacity to investigate narcotics and serious crime.
