Guyana to tap into bilateral cooperation with int’l partners

…as new Kuwait, Ireland and Finland ambassadors accredited

Guyana is looking to tap into bilateral cooperation with international partners as it accredited new diplomats from three countries in order to strengthen ties.
These accreditation ceremonies were done at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

After handing over his Letters of Credence to President David Granger, Non-Resident Ambassador (Designate) of the State of Kuwait, Nasser Riden Al-Motairi, spoke about his country’s keenness to further strengthen ties between the two countries.
He said, “The Kuwait Economic Fund and Investment Authority can play a big role in Guyana’s investment. Mr President, under the guidance of political leadership, we will do our best to strengthen relations between the two countries”.
In turn, the Guyanese Head of State recalled the Kuwaiti Government’s write off earlier this year of some US$50.7 million in debt owed by Guyana from a loan taken in 1975. He added too that technical assistance provided to Guyana in the past for its infrastructural projects under the Kuwait Fund are tangible testaments of good relations between the two countries.
“I am confident that the bilateral cooperation between our countries will be enhanced in the years ahead and that your tenure will contribute to continuing cooperation and initiate new areas of collaboration, especially in the oil and gas sector, energy, sustainable development, agriculture and education,” the President contended.
With regards to the accreditation of the new Finnish Ambassador to Guyana, Pertti Ikonen, President Granger congratulated the country on its assumption of the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“We look forward to Finland’s support in strengthening the partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States,” he posited.
Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Ambassador (Designate) of Finland outlined that his country’s three presidency priorities are to strengthen common values and the rule of law within the EU; to make the EU more competitive and socially inclusive, and to strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action.
“The EU is also a good companion to support Guyana’s development in all these fields,” he stated.
The Finnish diplomat further committed to contribute to the transformation of the Guyanese economy.
“I’m sure you’re familiar with the challenges faced in the [economic] transformation process such as efficient governance, competitiveness, good business and environment. I hope that Finland, who has a good track record in all these fields, could play a positive role in developing your great nation,” Ambassador Ikonen asserted.
Meanwhile, the Non-Resident Ambassador (Designate) of Ireland, Seán Hoy, pointed out that the Caribbean is a focus area for his Government as it seeks to increase its global footprint. He anticipates engaging Guyana to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations through increased partnership in the areas of tourism, trade, aviation, oil and gas investments and Information and Communications Technology.

Ambassador Hoy further noted that at the level of the United Nations, Guyana and Ireland share similar positions on the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the urgency to fight climate change.
To this end, he posited that “It is our hope that we continue to work together at the United Nations and other international fora to serve the wider good and to support the broader multilateral system”.
This sentiment was also shared by President Granger, who said that Guyana recognises Ireland’s thrust to introduce radical climate change policies in its new Green Agenda and sustainable food production programme in recognition of the significant threat imposed by global warming. On this note, he mentioned Guyana’s own move 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 the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. Guyana welcomes the opportunity to develop its relations with Ireland in support of its national development goals and international obligations. We recognise that there is significant scope for collaboration with Ireland in development cooperation, climate change, tourism, trade and investment,” he posited.
Moreover, the Guyanese leader said he is heartened by Ireland’s increased attention to enhancing the relations with the Caribbean region.
Guyana established diplomatic ties with Finland in April 1979; with Ireland in February 2000 and with Kuwait in August 1995.