The Government of Roraima has conferred its highest honour, the Order of Merit Fort São Joaquim, on Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, recognising his leadership in strengthening economic relations between Guyana and the northern Brazilian state.
President Ali received the award on February 9 in Boa Vista, Roraima’s capital, during a ceremony hosted by Governor Antonio Denarium. The distinction has been awarded to only 20 individuals for significant contributions to Brazil.
In a statement shared on the president’s official social media platforms, Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly through Roraima, which shares a border with Guyana’s Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo).
“This relationship has been growing from strength to strength… we are now looking to remove all the bureaucracies, all the bottlenecks to create a seamless relationship, expand trade and continue the wonderful relationship,” Ali said in remarks captured in a video posted by Governor Denarium.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and members of the private sector were also in attendance at the ceremony.
Over the past five years, Ali has led several high-level engagements with Brazil aimed at expanding economic and infrastructure cooperation. In 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Georgetown, where discussions centred on regional integration, infrastructure development and energy collaboration.
Roraima has emerged as one of Guyana’s key trading partners, supported by government investments in cross-border connectivity and economic cooperation in recent years.
