The Canadian government said Prime Minister Mark Carney held brief talks with Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
“The Prime Minister and the President discussed deepening ties in trade and investment between the two countries,” the Canadian government said in a statement.
Both leaders also explored opportunities for increased cooperation, including through the Canada-Guyana Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Commercial Corporation, the statement said.
“Prime Minister Carney commended President Ali’s leadership on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation,” the statement said, adding that Carney and Ali “agreed to remain in close contact ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda next month.”
The Canadian government said Guyana and Canada enjoy “a close relationship built on more than 50 years of deep people-to-people ties, important trading connections, a longstanding development program and our security partnership.”
Canada said it opened the High Commission of Canada to Guyana in Georgetown, the Guyanese capital, in March 1964 and established full diplomatic relations following Guyana’s independence in May 1966.
“There is a vibrant Diaspora with close to 100,000 Canadian-Guyanese citizens who call Canada home,” the Canadian government said. “The academic ties between Canada and Guyana reinforce this relationship as hundreds of students choose to study in Canada every year.”
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.[/caption]
Canada continues to support Guyana’s capacity-building efforts, with Canadian experts assisting various institutions, the government said.
Guyana is one of Canada’s largest merchandise trading partners among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, according to the statement.
The Canadian government also said its international assistance supports Guyana’s efforts to foster climate resilience, economic growth and inclusive governance.
“Gender equality is at the forefront, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy,” the statement said.
Guyana is also a member of Canada’s Military Cooperation Training Program, the government said.
Canada has previously helped the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit strengthen their narcotics and serious crime investigation capabilities.