Guyana accredits new Palestinian, South African diplomats

As Guyana looks to strengthen bilateral relations with its international partners, President David Granger on Wednesday accredited diplomats from the State of Palestine and the Republic of South Africa.
High Commissioner of South Africa to Guyana, Xoliswa Nomathamsanqa Ngwevela, presented her credentials to the Guyanese Head of State at his official residence – State House.
Upon accrediting the new High Commissioner, President Granger in brief remarks said Guyana is looking forward to cooperating with the Republic of South Africa in the areas of climate change and environmental management as his Administration pushes to make Guyana a ‘Green State’.
“Guyana is pursuing a path to become a ‘Green State’ (and) we look forward to sharing our experiences on the mitigation of the impact of global warming, the demarcation of national parks, the designation of protected areas, the generation of energy from renewable sources and the protection of wildlife with the Republic of South Africa,” the President said.
He further pointed out that despite being a small country on the continent of South America, Guyana plays a significant role in the struggle to dismantle apartheid to liberate southern Africa.
Moreover, the Guyanese leader extended full support on behalf of the Administration to work along with South Africa in strengthening bi-laterals between the two countries.
On the other hand, the newly accredited non-resident High Commissioner pledged to advance the bilateral interests between the two countries during her tenure.
“As we all know, people to people relations are an integral part of state and Government relations. Hence it is imperative that we find ways to boost tourism, that is travel, because that is usually a catalyst to create linkages between people, businesses and institutions working together. We hope we can change that so our bilateral contact can improve,” the diplomat noted.
She concluded that her country is cognisant of the absence of a mission here but noted that this would change some time in the future to support the expansion of political and economic diplomacy, especially given the fact that Guyana is a county with an African Diaspora.
Meanwhile, the Government of the State of Palestine has expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Guyana for supporting the country’s efforts for the rights of the Palestinian people.
This message was conveyed by Dr Linda Sobeh-Ali, who on Wednesday morning was accredited non-resident Ambassador of Palestine to Guyana.
In brief remarks, the newly accredited Ambassador recognised that Guyana has always been an ardent supporter of Palestinian rights, for which the people of her country will forever be grateful.
“I stand before you today, your Excellency, on behalf of the Palestinian people, who in the fullness of their pain, pride and anticipation for peace and freedom, thank you and your country for your historical and firm solidarity with us and our legitimate aspirations to achieving statehood.

This courageous stance on your part was particularly highlighted through your country’s official recognition of the State of Palestine on January 14, 2011. This recognition symbolises your solidarity with our people, who have been striving for a long overdue freedom and your commitment towards the right of nations to self-determination,” the Palestinian Ambassador stated.
The Palestinian Diplomat went on to highlight that her Government cherishes its relations with Guyana and with this concrete establishment of diplomatic relations at an ambassadorial level, she invited the Guyanese Leader to also appoint a diplomatic representative in Palestine.
Furthermore, President Granger posited that Guyana has and will continue to support the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and for a homeland, without the threat of force, aggression and interference from other states. He pointed out too that Guyana was the first Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to recognise the State of Palestine as a free, independent and sovereign State based on its 1967 borders.
“Guyana will continue to support efforts to remove all obstacles to self-determination and human development of the people of the State of Palestine. Guyana upholds the rights of all peoples to promote their development free from the threat of force and aggression, abhors interference in the internal affairs of other states. We promote friendly relations among all nations based on mutual respect and mutual co-operations,” the Head of State remarked.
Guyana and Palestine established formal diplomatic relations on February 21, 2013, while Guyana and diplomatic ties between Guyana and South African was established on November 4, 1994. (Vahnu Manikchand)