President invites Qatar to consider oil and gas investment here

President David Granger yesterday invited the Middle East state of Qatar to consider ways of investing in the development of the emergent oil and gas sector here.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that he made these remarks when he accepted the Letters of Credence from Mohammed Ahmad AlHayki, accrediting him as the new NonResident Ambassador of Qatar to Guyana. Al-Hayki will be based in Brasilia, Brazil.

During the Accreditation Ceremony, which was held at State House, Granger said that Guyana and Qatar have utilised their membership in organisations such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to advance their shared interests. This, he said, is a reflection of the two countries’ confidence in multilateral diplomacy to address international issues which are beyond the capacities of single states, strong or weak, rich or poor.

“Guyana looks forward to intensifying bilateral cooperation with Qatar and welcome Qatar’s resolve to strengthen relations with Guyana. Distance and economic, political and cultural differences should not constrain our collaboration in the future,” the President said.

According to the release, Al-Hayki informed that his country has committed to using its financial resources to investing in education, health and social welfare and human resources development. These investments have resulted in Qatar having one of the most advanced education systems and some of the best universities in the world.

Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in August 1996.

Qatar has been embroiled in a highstakes row with three of its erstwhile Persian Gulf allies. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain plus non-Gulf Co-operation Council member, Egypt broke off diplomatic, travel and trade ties with Qatar in June, accusing it of supporting militants and their arch-enemy Iran.

Doha denies the charges and says their move is aimed at curtailing its sovereignty.