KINGSTON - A meeting today, January 11, 2016, between the Ministers of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and representatives of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has seen the Middle Eastern nation offering technical support to the Infrastructure Ministry in desired areas.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Honourable Annette Ferguson, received a courtesy call this morning from Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State of UAE. H.E. Reem Al Hashimy was accompanied by five UAE representatives.
During the fruitful meeting, H.E. Al Hashimy indicated that her visit to Guyana is her first in this hemisphere. The UAE delegation expressed interest in Guyana’s energy sector, particularly in the country’s renewable energy potential. A representative shared that UAE is an early adopter of renewable energy and invests in the sector, both domestically and internationally. The representative further said that UAE has been bringing together key players in the energy sector, ranging from investments to technology.
In turn, Minister Patterson indicated that Guyana is now embarking on the greening of the nation and the harnessing of its renewable energy potential. He shared that the goal is to start on a small scale, with the aim of having 75 to 100 megawatts of renewable energy available in five years.
In response, H.E. Al Hashimy said that UAE is open to providing technical support to Guyana, particularly in the areas in which UAE thrives. She stressed the desire to improve relations between Guyana and her nation.
“We’re very willing to share our expertise…if our success can be replicated with you then that makes all of us stronger,” H.E. Al Hashimy said.
Outside of renewable energy, the Ambassador indicated that UAE is willing to offer support in other areas, including the aviation sector. H.E. Al Hashimy noted that UAE has great strength in this sector.
This news was well received by Minister Ferguson who has responsibilities for aviation under the Public Infrastructure Ministry.
H.E. Al Hashimy further urged the Ministers to identify areas which need support under the Infrastructure Ministry.
“If you know what you want and what you need then we can match make with the right agencies. If you can articulate what you want and show how it aims towards your overall vision then we’re willing to share our support and knowledge,” she said.
Ambassador Al Hashimy’s visit to Guyana came to an end today. During her two-day visit, H.E. Al Hashimy and her team met with a number of Ministers. She explained that the aim was to “cover as many areas as possible to see how we can strengthen ties as furthest as possible.”
