(Stabroeknews) - "Prime Minister Samuel Hinds lauded the level of cooperation between Guyana and Venezuela. He urged countries to work closely to promote better arrangements for global interdependence.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Hinds said the importance of economic cooperation in the pursuit of development cannot be understated. He said: 'Under the aegis of the High Level Bilateral Mechanism, which was created to foster closer ties between our countries, we have been able to identify several areas in which joint enterprise could be promoted. Our government is committed to the full utilization of this instrument in order to maximise our bilateral cooperation.'

At the Guyana-Venezuela High Level Bilateral Commission meeting held in Georgetown in April 2006 several areas for mutual cooperation between the two countries were addressed. Different areas under culture were identified for inclusion in a new cultural exchange programme for 2006 to 2008 and Venezuela committed to giving Guyana a response in the telecommunication field. Both countries agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a bilateral air services agreement.

They also agreed on the construction of the Guyana-Venezuela road. This highway project is part of the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America agreed upon by the Presidents of the South American Community of Nations. Other areas of cooperation addressed included the environment, trade and economic cooperation, health, agriculture, livestock and agro-industry and drug trafficking.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the aspirations of the late liberator Simon Bolivar who believed in Latin America brotherhood and solidarity and social justice in the region is obtainable. 'There can be no doubt, that under the leadership of President Hugo Chávez, Venezuela has made significant progress towards realizing its aspirations regionally,' Hinds said. 'We too in Guyana are intent on forging a more progressive society based on social justice and equality. The policies and programmes which our Government has put in place have all been designed with this goal in mind.

'In the international sphere our two countries continue to work together to advance the agendas for peace and development. Within the Group of 77, we are jointly engaged in the search for a more equitable trading system.'

Hinds also pointed out that at the United Nations and elsewhere Guyana and Venezuela have advanced the concepts of the New Global Human Order and the International Humanitarian Fund respectively, aimed at mobilising support for the creation of a system of international relations based on equity and social justice. 'The old models of development have not served us well. We must therefore, work together closely to promote better arrangements for global interdependence,' he said.

Charge D'Affaires at the Venezuelan embassy Fernando Rincón said the Venezuelan government has extended its assistance and cooperation to Guyana in several areas. Rincon echoed the prime minister's sentiment of closer cooperation and gave assurances of his country's continued support".