PM reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to peace and cooperation

– as Russian Ambassador to Guyana hosts commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory Day

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips on Friday attended a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexander Kurmaz, which paid tribute to the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the end of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexander Kurmaz, at the reception

During his remarks, the Prime Minister underscored the global significance of the Allied victory and the enduring lessons from the war.
He spoke of the need to honour the extraordinary courage and immeasurable sacrifice of those who stood against the darkest forces of their time.
“The defeat of Nazi Germany was not only a military triumph but a moral victory for humanity—a reaffirmation that dignity, freedom and justice must ultimately prevail over tyranny and hatred,” he noted.
Prime Minister Phillips also underscored the enduring significance of the commemoration and reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity with the global community.
“Guyana stands united in solemn remembrance and profound respect for the heroic sacrifices made by those who fought to uphold our cherished values. As a member of the global community, Guyana acknowledges that the conclusion of World War II represented not the triumph of any single nation, but rather the collective victory of all who championed egalitarian principles.”
Guyana and the wider Caribbean, he reminded, also contributed to the Allied efforts, with many Guyanese serving in the British armed forces, Royal Air Force, and naval forces, while others supported the war through specialised operations and industrial work.
Drawing on the lessons of history, Prime Minister Phillips reiterated Guyana’s dedication to peace, multilateral cooperation, and respect for sovereignty. “History has taught us the perils of division. As we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Guyana stands resolute in its commitment to unity, dialogue and collective security.”
He added: “History’s lessons serve as a powerful reminder of the perils of division and underscore the importance of working together to build a more equitable and peaceful world for future generations.”
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to global solidarity and peaceful cooperation, emphasising the country’s steadfast dedication to unity and respect for the sovereignty of all nations.
“Guyana reaffirms its commitment to peace, multilateralism, and the strengthening of international cooperation… Building upon the cordial relations that Guyana and Russia have cultivated over the years, Guyana remains committed to strengthening this historic friendship through cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, guided by principles.” (Photos from the Hon. Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Philips social media page)