Guyana–Russia relations

Guyana–Russia relations are the bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and Guyana. Officially established in 1970, Russia has an embassy in Georgetown, and Guyana's non-resident ambassador to Russia is located in London.

Guyana-Russia relations
Map indicating locations of Guyana and Russia

Guyana

Russia

In 2005, both countries signed an agreement for visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports between the countries, and in 2010 Guyana unilaterally cancelled visa requirements for the Russian citizens.[1][2]

Soviet-era relations

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Cheddi Jagan, a Marxist Socialist politician early in his career held communist countries in a positive light. His involvement with Soviet-allied countries since the 1950s attracted attention from Britain and the US during the Cold War.[3]

The Soviet Union and Guyana established diplomatic relations on 17 December 1970.[4]

In October 1985, the Soviet Union delivered three Mil Mi-8 helicopters to Georgetown for use by the Guyana Defence Force.[5] In the 1980s Guyana Airways operated a Tupolev Tu-154 passenger jet on lease from TAROM of Romania, and purchased three additional Tu-154s from the Soviet Union and Romania in a barter deal in exchange for bauxite.[5]

Russian Federation relations

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Diplomatic ties

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On 8 January 1992, Guyana recognised the Russian Federation as the successor state to the Soviet Union, after the latter's dissolution.[6] Russia has an embassy in Georgetown, and Guyana covers Russia from its High Commission in London.

Economic ties

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Many Guyanese students have gone abroad to Russia for higher education.[2] In 2003, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and University of Guyana signed agreement on cooperation.[1] The Guyana Police Force was also provided short term training in Russia.[7]

In January 2006, Rusal reached an agreement with the government of Guyana to purchase 90% of the Aroaima Mining Company, leaving the government with a ten percent share.[8] The deal, according to Rusal, invested US$20 million in the bauxite mine, with mines in Berbice.[9][10]

Ambassadors

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Russian ambassadors to Guyana

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  • Pavel Sergiyev, appointed 27 July 2007[11][12]
  • Nikolay Smirnov, 2015[13]
  • Alexander S. Kurmaz, appointed December 2017 and non-resident ambassador of Barbados, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago (previous diplomatic service in Benin, India and Germany.)[14]

Guyanese ambassadors to Russia

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Russia - Guyana - The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana". guyana.mid.ru. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  2. ^ a b "Press Release – Guyana and Russia to improve relationship via multi sectoral approach". Department of Public Information. 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  3. ^ "Cheddi Jagan and Guyanese Overtures to the East: Evidence from the Czech National Archives | Wilson Center". www.wilsoncenter.org. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  4. ^ Ginsburgs, George; Slusser, Robert M. (1981). A calendar of Soviet treaties, 1958-1973. BRILL. p. 819. ISBN 90-286-0609-2. Retrieved 2009-07-17.
  5. ^ a b Ashby, Timothy (25 February 1986). "Moscow eyes Guyana" (PDF). The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  6. ^ "Russia-Guyana". Diplomatic missions of Russia - Embassy of Russia in Georgetown. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  7. ^ "Russian Ambassador Calls on Foreign Minister – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation| Co-operative Republic of Guyana". Archived from the original on 2022-07-09. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  8. ^ "Over US$250M invested in bauxite since privatization". Stabroek News. 2015-01-23. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  9. ^ "RUSAL completes acquisition of Guyanese miner AMC" (Press release). Moscow: Rusal. 4 April 2006. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  10. ^ "Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc". rusal.ru. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  11. ^ "УКАЗ Президента РФ от 27.07.2007 N 979" (in Russian). Presidential Press and Information Office. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
  12. ^ "New Russian Ambassador accredited". Government Information Agency. 12 September 2007. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2009-06-15.
  13. ^ "Russian Ambassador to Guyana calls on Speaker of the House | Parliament of Guyana". parliament.gov.gy. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  14. ^ "Ambassador of Russia - The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana". guyana.mid.ru. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
  15. ^ Список руководителей дипломатических и консульских представительств зарубежных государств в России (in Russian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  16. ^ "Hamley Case now Guyana's ambassador to Russia". Guyana Chronicle. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
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