“I think very early, maybe over this weekend, there will be a face-to-face meeting with the President of Suriname,” President Ali told reporters on Monday afternoon. Details of that meeting are still being finalised but President Ali said the bridge remains a priority for both nations, and financing the structure will be a key focus. Hours before, President Ali engaged Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melvin Bouva, in Georgetown. A release from the Office of the President noted that President Ali and Minister Bouva spoke about efforts to advance development initiatives between the two countries. “Discussions focused on Guyana’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project; collaboration with Suriname to resolve issues affecting fisherfolk; improving the efficiency of the Guyana–Suriname ferry system; and exploring joint investment opportunities,” the release noted. The Corentyne River Bridge is seen as a critical infrastructure project aimed at strengthening connectivity between Guyana and Suriname, while also advancing broader regional integration with Brazil. Both Presidents Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Suriname’s former President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi repeatedly emphasised the importance of the bridge, noting how it will enhance the flow of people, facilitate trade, strengthen agricultural cooperation, and boost tourism and investment in the region. (Newsroom)