FM Jaishankar says India, Guyana forging partnership fit for contemporary era
San Juan, Apr 23 (EFE).- India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a three-day official visit to Guyana, told the Indian diaspora in the capital city of Georgetown on Sunday that the two countries are forging a partnership fit for the contemporary era.
“Delighted to interact with the Indian community today evening in Guyana…Conveyed that we are forging a partnership that is fit for purpose for the contemporary era,” Jaishankar said on Twitter.
“Apprised them of my discussions with the Guyanese leadership and our common resolve to upgrade the level of our partnership,” he said in another tweet.
The Indian foreign minister is on a nine-day visit to Latin America and the Caribbean, during which he will also travel to Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.
On Saturday, Guyana and India signed an air services agreement to facilitate air travel between both countries.
The agreement will allow direct Guyanese-owned airlines direct market access to international airports in India and vice versa.
The agreement signed by Guyana’s Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and High Commissioner of India to Guyana K.J Srinivasa will allow Trans Guyana Airways to fly directly to airports in the Indian cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Currently there is no direct flight between Guyana and India.
The agreement puts in place the legal framework that opens market access for airlines of both nations and boosts competitiveness in air transport services, trade and economic growth.
The agreement also addresses matters pertaining to grant of rights, the designation and authorization of airlines, the revocation or suspension of the authorization to operate, application of laws, user charges, customs duties and charges, aviation security, commercial opportunities, among others, local media News Room Guyana reported, citing the ministry of public works.
The pact will complement the over 50 air service agreements that Guyana has entered into with other members of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The air agreement between Guyana and India allows international commercial air transport services between both countries.
The bilateral agreement is based on the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which was signed in 1944, after World War II, to regulate International Civil Aviation standards.
Guyana and India are both signatories to the convention.
The two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Guyana gained independence in May 1966. EFE
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