Guyana accredits Nepalese, Iranian Ambassadors

President David Granger has accepted the credentials from non-resident Ambassadors of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The two diplomats presented their Letters of Credence to the Guyanese Head of State on Wednesday at his official residence, during which the furtherance of South-South relations was emphasised.

President David Granger shares a light moment with new Iranian Ambassador to Guyana, Mostafa Alaei
President David Granger shares a light moment with new Iranian Ambassador to Guyana, Mostafa Alaei

Having established diplomatic ties in June 1994, President Granger noted that in addition to many common values, Guyana and Nepal also share common vulnerabilities to the adverse effects of climate change, something which they can tackle together.
“Guyana, a low-lying coastal state, is susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels, floods, droughts and environmental hazards. Nepal, a land locked state, also faces increased climate induced threats. We are both rich in hydroelectric potential. Our two countries can learn from each other’s experience in developing climate change adaptation plans and in promoting renewable energy development,” he posited.
The Head of State went on to note that as Guyana continues to push the development of a ‘green’ agenda, there is much that can be learnt from the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in the area of forest and natural assets conservation.

President David Granger along with newly accredited Nepalese Ambassador, Dr Arjun Kumar Karki and his wife
President David Granger along with newly accredited Nepalese Ambassador, Dr Arjun Kumar Karki and his wife

“We feel that there is much for Guyana to learn from your country in forest conservation and from the challenges in conserving our natural assets,” he stated, while extending support to the people of Nepal as they continue reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.
Meanwhile, the newly accredited Nepalese Diplomat, Dr Arjun Kumar Karki, outlined the importance his country places on its relationship with Guyana. He noted that the values which form the bedrock of diplomatic ties between the two countries are multifaceted and encompass a broad spectrum of political, socio-economic, cultural and many more dimensions.
“We are optimistic that Nepal and Guyana will be able to take our relationship to a new height. The bonds that we build will be based on trust and mutual benefit that are consistent with our potentials and the aspirations of our people,” the Diplomat stated.
Dr Karki added that his country looks forward to having enhanced cooperation and support in areas of development challenges, eradication of poverty and South-South cooperation.

Iranian Ambassador
On the other hand, after submitting his credentials, new Iranian Ambassador to Guyana, Mostafa Alaei, also outlined that both Guyana and Iran have great potential to be realised in a wide spectrum of political, international and economic affairs.
“Both countries possess vast resources of particular and specific importance, in different forms needed for development. They are complimentary to each other…There are many areas within which both countries can support each other and combine their efforts to advance common interests within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations. In this context, both Governments, in our view, possess capacities and capabilities to even harness their abilities in the interest of South to South Cooperation,” Alaei posited.
Moreover, President Granger in brief remarks outlined that the appointment of the new Iranian Ambassador will serve as a catalyst for the enhancement of relations between the two countries.
“There exists several possibilities for us to expand our cooperation, especially in the fields of agriculture, food production technology and hydro-electrical energy generation, thus expanding the existing capacity and furthering South-South cooperation,” President Granger noted.
The Head of State went on to say that more can be done to take advantage of the opportunities to bring the two countries and its peoples together. He added too that with both countries committed to a low carbon, low emission trajectory of development, the renewed diplomatic ties emphasise the protection of their environment, the preservation of their biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation, especially with Guyana establishing a ‘green’ state.
Ambassador Alaei, who replaces Ambassador Hojattolah Soltani, will be based in neighbouring Caracas, Venezuela. (Vahnu Manikchand)