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Côte d’Ivoire and Guyana establish diplomatic relations

Côte d’Ivoire and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana officially established diplomatic relations on April 23, 2026, with the signing of a joint communiqué in New York. This move signifies a mutual desire to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two nations, adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter. The document was signed by the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for Guyana and Ambassador Tiémoko Moriko for Côte d’Ivoire. Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett hailed the event as a significant step in bolstering bilateral ties and highlighted promising prospects for cooperation. Ambassador Moriko noted that this aligns with President Alassane Ouattara's initiative to diversify Côte d’Ivoire's partnerships, emphasizing the country's progress in agro-industry, digital technology, education, energy, mining, trade, and culture. He also pointed out economic similarities, particularly in agriculture and extractive industries, reaffirming Côte d’Ivoire's leadership in cocoa and cashew production and its improved business climate. Guyana, historically reliant on sugar, rice, and bauxite, is experiencing rapid economic growth due to significant offshore oil discoveries, positioning it among the world's fastest-growing economies. Guyana is set to celebrate its sixtieth independence anniversary in May.