Above: the talks in Guyana

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

South American neighbors Guyana and Brazil are deepening their ties.

Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana Lineu Popo de Paula recently met with First Vice President and Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo yesterday to discuss possible areas of collaboration between the countries.

“It was a very pleasant visit, besides the friendship that connects our two countries, we have common interests too,” Ambassador de Paula said.

The ambassador also said that the leaders discussed issues pertaining to energy, and that Brazil was exploring the possibility of setting up a hydro project in Guyana.

Brazil is also interesting in assisting Guyana with educational efforts, by implementing a Portuguese program in schools, and transportation efforts, by helping the government pave the road from Linden to Lethem.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he was hopeful that the teaching of Portuguese in schools will work to bridge the communication gap between the countries, and consequently benefit the business sector.

“We are grateful for the continued and continuous support from Brazil for Guyana’s sovereignty,” Nagamootoo said. “People say you can choose your friends, but not your neighbor, but we are both.”