TORONTO, Canada (CMC) – The Government of Canada said on Friday that its Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in Toronto, where the leaders emphasised the “strong” ties between Canada and Guyana.

The Canadian Government said this is strengthened by over 100,000 Canadians of Guyanese ancestry.

It noted in a statement that Guyana is one of Canada’s largest trading partners among the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

“The leaders discussed Canada’s role as a reliable trade and investment partner, and opportunities to increase Canadian investment in Guyana in a range of sectors, including energy, technology, agriculture, and mining,” the statement said.

It said Carney conveyed his best wishes for the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce’s Business Forum taking place in Toronto, celebrating 60 years of Guyana’s independence and diplomatic ties with Canada.

“The prime minister looks forward to visiting Guyana in the future,” the statement said. “The prime minister and the president agreed to remain in close contact.”

The Canadian Government said Guyana and Canada enjoy a “close relationship” built on more than 50 years of “deep people-to-people ties, important trading connections, a longstanding development programme and our security partnership.”

The Canadian Government said Canada first opened the High Commission of Canada to Guyana, in Georgetown, in March 1964, and established full diplomatic relations after Guyana’s independence in May 1966.

“There is a vibrant Diaspora with close to 100,000 Canadian-Guyanese citizens who call Canada home,” the statement said. “The academic ties between Canada and Guyana reinforce this relationship as hundreds of students choose to study in Canada every year.

“Canada continues to support Guyana’s capacity building efforts with Canadian experts assisting various institutions,” it added.

Guyana is represented in Canada by the High Commission of Guyana in Ottawa and a Consulate in Toronto.