Guyana to strengthen relations with Spain as high level Spanish delegation visits

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, July 15, 2017

“Guyana stands ready to strengthen its relationship with the Kingdom of Spain,” Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stated. The Prime Minister delivered the feature address last evening at the welcome reception for the Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America, Fernando Garcia-Casas and the Ambassador of Spain to Guyana – Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez

The reception was hosted by Spain’s Honorary Consul to Guyana Brain Tiwarie, at the New Thriving Restaurant, Providence. The event was attended by government ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests.

Noting that the two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1979, Prime Minister Nagamootoo lauded the high level visit, describing it as, “very timely.” He explained that there were discussions with the Spanish delegation to promote the green economy, tourism, and to foster closer ties in trade and investment.

The Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America said that his last visit to Guyana was in 1999. He noted that, “The amazing embracive transformation, the fact of being one people, and the progress of the city.” He committed Spain’s intention to “push ahead this country” in tourism, infrastructure, renewable energies, agriculture because “it seems to me that you have the human and material conditions to go ahead.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge also welcomed the delegation and highlighted that a visa waiver agreement was signed on Friday between the two country’s governments. This agreement means that persons with diplomatic passport no longer need visas to travel between them.

In brief remarks, Minister of State Joseph Harmon reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Spain.

The Honorary Consul of Spain to Guyana Brian Tiwarie expressed gratitude to the Spanish delegation for their visit to Guyana. He noted the, “Information and support Guyana receives from Spain is testimony of the Spanish government’s recognition of the importance of the relationship between the two countries.”

The Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Latin America was presented with an El Dorado Grand Special Reserve, 50-year-old rum from the Honorary Consul of Spain to Guyana. Ambassador designate of Spain to Guyana Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez presented a token of “sheer admiration of the enormous work” that is done at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre to Rehabilitation Officer -in- Charge of the Centre, Cynthia Massay. Garcia-Casas and Ambassador Sanchez visited the Centre on Thursday, when they arrived in Guyana.