3 new foreign diplomats accredited

Three new ambassadors were accredited by President David Granger during separate ceremonies at State House on Wednesday.
Those accredited were new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to Guyana, David Solomonia; Non-Resident Ambassador Mohammed Ahmad Al-

Hayki, of State of Qatar and Non-Resident High Commissioner, Haralambos Kafkarides, of the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking at the accreditation ceremony of Ambassador David Solomonia, President David Granger said Guyana is looking forward to sharing experiences and expertise with the Republic of Georgia, as both countries move to pursue green development initiatives.
The President noted that Guyana’s efforts to improve conditions of life for all its citizens and Georgia’s proven expertise in several fields of common interest represent a platform for enduring cooperation. He also underscored the fruitful bilateral cooperation that Guyana and Georgia have shared over the past six years. This cooperation has resulted in an agreement between the two countries

for visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports and the Memorandum of Understanding for political, economic and social cooperation between the Foreign Affairs Ministries of Guyana and Georgia. Additionally, Guyanese students have benefited from scholarships, which the President said has advanced relations and common interests.
Echoing the President’s sentiments, Ambassador Solomonia said there is much scope for improved trade and economic exchanges between the two states which has the potential to significantly enhance social welfare and economic prosperity. Guyana and Georgia established diplomatic relations in April 2012, aimed primarily at promoting greater understanding and increasing people-to-people contact.
Meanwhile, the President invited the State of Qatar to examine ways of investing in the development of the emergent oil and gas sector.
According to the Head of State, Guyana and Qatar have utilised their membership in organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic

Cooperation (OIC) to advance their shared interests. This, he said, is a reflection of the two countries’ confidence in the efficacy of multilateral diplomacy to address international issues which are beyond the capacities of single states, strong or weak, rich or poor.Ambassador Al-Hayki informed that his country has committed to using its financial resources to invest in education, health and social welfare and human resources development.
These investments have resulted in Qatar having one of the most advanced educational systems and some of the best universities in the world.
Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in August 1996.
Additionally, received Letters of Credence were accepted from High Commissioner Haralambos Kafkarides, as the non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Guyana. The new High Commissioner will reside in Brasilia, Brazil.
President Granger said the relationship between the two countries 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.
Meanwhile, High Commissioner Kafkarides said Cyprus attaches great importance to the strengthening of its relations with Guyana at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. “Our two countries have signed a number of bilateral agreements and we are discussing the conclusion of others. High-level official visits have also contributed to the enhancement of our bonds of friendship and cooperation,” he said.
Guyana and Cyprus established formal diplomatic ties 45 years ago, in February 1972.