As Guyana forges ahead with its ‘Green’ agenda, President David Granger on Wednesday accepted Letters of Credence from Swedish non-resident Ambassador Elizabeth Eklund, and declared that Guyana is looking forward to
President David Granger and Swedish Ambassador Elisabeth Eklund at State House following her accreditation ceremony on Wednesday
benefiting from the expertise of the Kingdom of Sweden.
The new Swedish Ambassador was accredited at State House, in the presence of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, and Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ms Audrey Waddell.
President Granger took the ambassador’s accreditation as an opportunity to declare how impressed Guyana was with Sweden’s strides in the fight against Climate Change, and said Guyana looks forward to that European country’s support in domestic efforts.
“Guyana applauds Sweden’s efforts in supporting increased access of finance for climate adaptation in developing countries like ours. Your Excellency, Guyana is part of the Guiana Shield, one of the world’s last remaining zones of pristine rainforest. Guyana’s forest is a global asset, providing climate mitigation services for all humanity…,” Granger noted.
The Head of State went on to point out that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a ‘Green State’ that will place emphasis on the preservation of its biodiversity, the protection of its environment, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-education services, and the promotion of renewable energy generation.
He noted that Guyana can benefit from the expertise and experience of its European counterpart.
“Guyana is keen to advance cooperation with Sweden, and advancing its green development agenda. Guyana can learn much from Sweden’s experience in promoting green living. Guyana and Sweden’s common commitment to the protection of the earth’s environment can be the basis for enhancing, enlarging, and extending cooperation between our two states,” the Guyanese Leader said.
The newly accredited ambassador, noting that the two countries share similar values and face the same challenges, has reassured her government’s continued support to Guyana, not only on national development, but on the international scene as well.
“Sweden believes that free trade is the forceful engine for growth. This is why Sweden has pursued open, simple, and fair conditions for international and private investments… Sweden and the EU (European Union, of which Sweden is a member) appreciate the multi-lateral partnership in Guyana and CARICOM (Caribbean Community), to better meet the global challenges,” Ambassador Eklund said.
Guyana first established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Sweden on June 16, 1975.
