GUYANA will be turning to Denmark for assistance in the development of its renewable energy sector, President David Granger said Wednesday.His comments came after he accepted letters of credence from Denmark’s new ambassador to Guyana, Kim Højlund Christensen at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Describing Denmark as “an international bellwether” in the development of sustainable energy, President Granger said “Guyana looks forward to working closely with Denmark to advance cooperation for the development of the renewable energy sector in order to build a ‘green’ and sustainable society.”

He said Guyana is ready to learn from Denmark’s experience with respect to its community energy models, noting that such experience can be a guide for Guyana in the implementation of its national “green” agenda.

“Guyana, like Denmark, is a small state. We are committed, unreservedly, to the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, especially those with regard to the settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means and for the avoidance of the threat, or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State,” the President added.

He pointed out that on May 20, 2016 Guyana ratified the Paris Agreement, and remains committed, to realizing, through international cooperation and national developmental initiatives, the ambitious objectives which have been set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The country, President Granger said, will continue to be actively engaged on global issues, such as the mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change, with the aim of finding sustainable solutions.

“We are confident that your appointment as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will contribute to the further strengthening of the existing friendly relations between our two countries,” the President said.

Ambassador Christensen, in delivering brief remarks, said the relation between Denmark and Guyana has not only been longstanding but has been marked by mutual respect.

Like President Granger, Ambassador Christensen said efforts to combat climate change and its impact are particularly important to low-lying countries such as Denmark and Guyana.

“Our two countries have a lot of values in common – democracy and equality – as a foundation for modern society, Ambassador Christensen posited while adding that both Guyana and Denmark also aim to reduce poverty.

“Economic growth is necessary to eradicate poverty,” he added, but said due to the increase pressure on natural resources and high demand for food, energy and water, the growth needs to be “greened.”

He also used the opportunity to extend greetings to Guyana on its 50th year of Independence.

Denmark established diplomatic relations on November 16, 1979. The relations between the two countries have been characterised by the principles of mutual respect, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and cooperation for mutual benefit.

In 2004, Denmark had cancelled all commercial debt that was owed by Guyana – a gesture the country remains appreciative of.