Guyana |
Russia |
---|---|
Envoy | |
Ambassador Hamley Case | Ambassador Alexander S. Kurmaz |
Guyana–Russia relations are the bilateral foreign 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.
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]
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]
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.
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]