General News

Guyana ushered in its 57th year of Independence last night in a somber mood as the country reflected on the lives lost during the devastating fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory.

The atmosphere at the Tabatinga Sports Complex in Lethem, Region Nine, for this year's flag-raising ceremony, was not one of celebration, but of healing, unity and love and the memories of the children who perished were honoured through songs and prayers.

During his address to the nation, President Ali said the country's true character has been on display as he reflected on the strength of Guyanese and the outpouring of love and support from all regions for the children and families affected.

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali called Tuesday’s opening of the Guyana Embassy in Qatar, a “momentous occasion” and a direct link to enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.

The Head of State, who is on an Official Visit to the Middle Eastern country, noted that Guyana and Qatar share a number of similarities, including promoting peace, stability and sustainability.

The embassy opening, he explained, was “significant because it symbolises the physical existence of the bond of friendship, love and commitment between two countries, who share common values to secure the prosperity of humanity and to advance a cause through which we create a better environment for the people of our countries and the people of this world”.

The Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation today met with His Excellency Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India to Guyana.

During the meeting, Minister Todd and High Commissioner Srinivasa discussed the advancement of cooperation initiatives emanating from the visit of the Honourable Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India to Guyana during April 20-24, 2023.

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali held talks with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce today in Doha.

Discussions focused on investment opportunities in Guyana.

The Chamber was represented by its First Vice Chairman, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Twar Al-Kuwari, while President Ali was joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali held bilateral discussions with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani in Doha today.

The President was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

President Ali is in Qatar on an Official Visit.

His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari this morning in Doha.

Discussion centred on several areas of mutual cooperation between Guyana and Qatar.

The Guyanese Head of State also presented paintings from local artist Dillion Craig to the Senior Government Officials.

President Ali was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Honourable Dr. Ashni Singh; Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraz Shahood; Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali arrived in Doha, Qatar this morning for an Official Visit.

He was received at the Hamad International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi; Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraz Shahood and Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq.

President Ali is joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma and other officials.