Address of His Excellency Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at the Accreditation Ceremony of His Excellency Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri, High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya. – November 20, 2019

I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence accrediting you as High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

I congratulate you on your appointment and welcome you to Guyana. I ask that you convey to His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, my best wishes for his personal well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Kenya.

Guyana and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in December 1970. Our relationship is founded on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.

I had the honour of meeting His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta during my visit to the Kenya for the Third United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, in December 2017. I had the opportunity to present my assessment of the threat of environmental degradation and its impact on human security.

Guyana has promulgated a Green State Development Strategy which will see increased emphasis being placed on the protection of the environment, the preservation of its biodiversity, the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

Guyana notes Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan which seeks to address the options for a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway. The adverse effects of climate change and the vulnerability of our states are shared national priorities.

Kenya’s success in its conservation of wildlife is acknowledged internationally. Guyana can learn from Kenya’s experience and expertise in developing its ecotourism potential and improving wildlife management and protection policy.

Guyana looks forward to working closely with Kenya, at both the bilateral and multilateral levels, in order to strengthen our solidarity through regional mechanisms such as the Caribbean Community and the African Union.

I assure you of the support of my Government and wish you every success in the discharge of your mandate as High Commissioner of Kenya to Guyana.