Minister Harmon welcomes new Dutch Ambassador to Guyana

– calls for closer ties

DPI, Guyana – Thursday, October 11, 2018

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, this evening, welcomed the new Non- Resident Ambassador of The Kingdom of the Netherlands to Guyana, Mr. Jacob Frederiks, where he expressed hope that the two countries will foster closer ties and enhanced cooperation.

Minister Harmon, who is currently performing the functions of Minister of Foreign Affairs, was at the time speaking at a welcome reception hosted at Cara Lodge Hotel for the Ambassador.

A section of the gathering at this evening’s welcome reception for Non-Resident Ambassador of The Netherlands to Guyana, Mr. Jacob Frederiks at Cara Lodge

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, who is performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, delivers remarks at the welcome reception for the new Non-Resident Ambassador of The Netherlands, Mr. Jacob Frederiks

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn shares a light moment with Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon during the welcome reception held at the Cara Lodge

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, who is performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, listens attentively as Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Cui Jianchun makes a point during the reception this evening

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon (right) shares a light moment with Ambassador Jacob Frederiks, new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Netherlands to Guyana and Mr. Ben ter Welle, outgoing Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Guyana

“I want to say welcome to you. As we strive to walk the path of development, I want to say that we are grateful for the assistance given by the Dutch Government and their representatives to this country. I hope that the Ambassador would not consider the Corentyne River as a river but more of a bridge because this is what happens when two peoples work with each other. Do not see it as a border but as a pathway to development for our two countries,” said the Minister of State.

Ambassador Frederiks, who is based in Suriname, in his brief remarks, said he expects that through his appointment, there will be more collaboration and strengthened ties between Guyana and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Audrey Waddell, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Dutch community here along with other invitees also attended the welcome reception.

Ambassador Frederiks’ Letters of Credence were accepted by President David Granger on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at State House.

Ministry of the Presidency, Press Release