Three new ambassadors, two high commissioners accredited
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjKFazM2iUA” width=”100%” height=”315″]
− Norway’s ambassador congratulates Guyana on oil discoveries offshore, notes transformative nature of petroleum
− Pres. Granger reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, October 10, 2018
President David Granger today accepted letters of credence and commission from three new ambassadors and two high commissioners.
Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Patricio Arturo Becker Marshall; Ambassador of the Netherlands, Jacob Rijkert Frederiks and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Nils Martin Gunneng were accredited.
![President David Granger is pictured with Norway’s Ambassador, Nils Martin Gunneng, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., who is also performing the duties of Foreign Minister [left] and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell [right].](https://i0.wp.com/dpi.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/KLG_8421.jpg?w=478&h=319&ssl=1 "KLG_8421")
Letters of Commission were accepted from High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi and High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo.
The ambassadors and high commissioners shared their commitment to improving bilateral relations in numerous areas including oil and gas, energy, mining and more.
The president also reaffirmed the government’s commitment and cooperation in building mutually beneficial relations with the five nations.
Upon his acceptance of the letter of credence from the United Republic of Tanzania, President Granger noted that:
“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 regional peace and security.”
The president said Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a “green state” – one that will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.
He said Guyana can learn from Tanzania’s experience in ecotourism, in managing its conservation parks and in protecting its biodiversity.
“Green development cooperation can form a basis for strengthening bilateral relations. Your appointment can help to advance the long-term strategic partnership between our two states,” the president stated.
Norway’s Ambassador congratulated Guyana on the oil discoveries offshore while noting the transformative nature of the petroleum sector. He also praised the Guyana-Norway Forest Agreement.
President Granger said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Governments of Guyana and Norway regarding Cooperation on issues related to the Fight against Climate Change, the Protection of Biodiversity and the Enhancement of Sustainable Development, signed on November 9, 2009, was a trailblazer in forest-climate partnerships.
“Guyana looks forward to enhanced environmental cooperation with Norway based on the principle of sovereign equality of states, as it progresses along a low-emission pathway to development. We welcome Norway’s offer to contribute to the development of Guyana’s renewable energy mix,” he noted.
The Head of State was joined by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC., who is also performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell.
Stacy Carmichael.
Images: Keno George.