By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd on Tuesday participated in the Italy, Latin America and the Caribbean Ministerial Conference, which brought together regional leaders to discuss strengthening ties through trade, energy, and diplomacy.
The high-level engagement forms part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming Fourth EU–CELAC Summit, aimed at promoting cooperation between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Addressing the forum, Minister Todd highlighted that the world has evolved significantly since the launch of the biennial forum in 2003, noting major shifts in global dynamics, economic inequality, and the structure of international relations.
He cited climate change, energy security, food insecurity, and widening economic gaps as critical challenges that demand collaborative global policy solutions.
“Over the years, we have acknowledged the structural inequalities and gaps that exist within our societies and across our countries. We must now take a conscious effort to pursue solutions and effective strategies that bridge these economic divides and remove barriers to trade,” Todd emphasized.
The minister further underscored that international partnerships are now vital for building and strengthening national economies, encouraging leaders to expand trade arrangements and foster strategic alliances between regions.
“We can do more to expand these arrangements and encourage increased trade and commercial activity between our regions. We can develop strategic partnerships to achieve these objectives,” he said.
Minister Todd also reaffirmed that Guyana recognizes the vital role of trade as a tool for deepening both political and economic relations globally.
Recent data indicates that trade between Guyana and Italy has grown significantly between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the success of Guyana’s expanding foreign policy agenda and economic diplomacy efforts.
