President David Granger’s address at the accreditation of the High Commissioner of Botswana to Guyana

Excellency,

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

I ask that you convey, to His Excellency President Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi, my sincere appreciation for his kind greetings and my best wishes for his personal well-being and for the prosperity of the people of Botswana.

Guyana and Botswana have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, forty-four years ago, on 28th October 1975.

Our relationship is founded on 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.

Relations between Guyana and Botswana were strengthened by the State visit to Guyana of President Sir Seretse Khama in 1975 and by the work of skilled Guyanese in Botswana’s public sector.  We look forward to the revitalization of bilateral cooperation, between our states, during your tenure, particularly in the areas of agriculture, air transportation, green development, mining, public health, trade and tourism.

Guyana and Botswana have worked closely with each other within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. Guyana reaffirms its commitment to deepening our engagements and cooperation with Botswana within these organizations.

Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a “green state”. The ‘green state’ will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

These objectives are aligned with those articulated in Botswana’s Vision 2036 which aims at the “sustainable utilization of natural resources, water security, energy security, sustainable land use and management, sustainable human settlements, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction…”  Our shared commitment to sustainable development can form the basis of mutually beneficial exchanges of experiences.

I wish you very success during your tenure as Non-resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I assure you of the support of the Government of Guyana in the discharge of your duties.

I thank you.