PM Modi Presented with 'Key to the City' of Georgetown in Guyana

Georgetown: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with ‘Key to city’ of Georgetown on Wednesday during his state visit to Guyana. He was also warmly welcomed by Indian community in Guyana.

PM Modi was welcomed in Georgetown by Guyana's President Irfaan Ali, Grena's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Barbos' Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and four ministers from Guyana.

Upon arrival, PM Modi was greeted with tritional dance performances and, in a warm gesture, received 'Key to City' of Georgetown, capital of Guyana.

Prime Minister engaged with Guyana's government ministers and Indian diaspora.

PM took to X to post “A heartfelt thank you to Indian community in Guyana for ir warm and spirited welcome. y have shown that distance is never a barrier to staying connected to one's roots. Gl to see community making a mark here across different sectors.”

Earlier in an unprecedented gesture, PM Modi was received at airport by President Irfan Ali, PM Mark Anthony Phillips and over a dozen Cabinet ministers. He has become first Indian PM to visit South American country in 56 years.

At hotel where PM will be staying, he interacted with enthusiastic members of Indian diaspora who conveyed great pleasure in meeting with PM.

Prime Minister interacted with people across all age groups and expressed joy upon receiving warm welcome.

Earlier in an exclusive interview with ANI, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Guyana, Rudra Jayanta Bhagawati said, "It is a big gift for Guyana that PM Modi is coming here".

During his visit, PM Modi will dress a special sitting of Guyana's parliament. He will also join leers from Caribbean partner countries for 2nd India-CARICOM Summit.

In a press briefing ahe of PM's visit to Guyana, Ministry of External Affairs noted that Prime Minister's visit comes at invitation of Guyanese President Mohamm Irfaan Ali.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said that PM will engage in delegation-level talks with President Irfaan Ali.

"My visit to Guyana, at invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I dress ir Parliament," Prime Minister h earlier noted.

(with agency inputs)