Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Guyana and Qatar are steadily transforming their friendly relations into a broader partnership built on mutual respect, economic cooperation and shared opportunities, Ambassador of Guyana to Qatar, HE Sarfraaz Ahmad Shahdood, said.
He was addressing at a gala reception hosted by him in Doha on Tuesday to mark the 60th Independence Anniversary of Guyana, an occasion that brought together Guyana’ top leadership, senior Qatari officials, diplomats, members of the Guyanese community and guests.
Present on the occasion were President of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; First Lady Arya Ali; Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi assistant undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development; Jassim bin Mohammed Al Asmakh director of the American Affairs Department; HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, director of Protocol. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar; a number of other dignitaries including ambassadors accredited to the State of Qatar; members of the delegation accompanying the president of Guyana; Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani and Fathi Ibrahim Aburish of Abu Sidra Mall; Yusuff Ali, Chairman LuLu Group International; members of the Guyanese diaspora; members of Qatar’s business, arts, education and healthcare communities and guests.
In his remarks, Ambassador Shahdood highlighted the significance of Guyana’s six decades of independence and its growing engagement with Qatar. He described the relationship between the two countries as one that has evolved considerably in recent years, with both sides showing a strong interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Ambassador noted that the opening of Guyana’s Embassy in Doha represented an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and creating new channels for political, economic and people-to-people exchanges.
The growing relationship has also been supported by high-level visits. The visit of HH the Amir of Qatar to Guyana in 2023 was viewed as a landmark development, reflecting the importance both countries attach to their emerging partnership.
Economic cooperation remains at the heart of the relationship. Guyana’s rapidly developing economy, particularly its energy sector, has created new opportunities for international investment. QatarEnergy’s acquisition of a 35 percent participating interest in Guyana’s Block S4 offshore exploration area has further underlined the growing commercial dimension of bilateral ties.
Beyond energy, the two countries are exploring opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, investment and other areas capable of generating long-term benefits for both sides. Guyana’s natural beauty and expanding tourism potential also offer scope for greater cooperation and exchanges with Qatar.
President Irfaan Ali’s presence at the reception added special significance to the celebrations, providing an opportunity to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to deepening relations with Qatar.
The anniversary gathering, therefore, served not only as a celebration of Guyana’s independence but also as a reflection of the country’s growing international partnerships.
