France, Spain assign new envoys to Guyana
SAVOURING A RARE FRENCH TOAST: Toasting the beginning of even closer ties with France are, from left: Mr Pierre Saint Arroman, French Honorary Consul to Guyana; Public Works Minister, Mr Robeson Benn; President Donald Ramotar; newly-accredited French envoy, Mr Michael Prom; and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director-General of  Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Photo by Sonell Nelson)
SAVOURING A RARE FRENCH TOAST: Toasting the beginning of even closer ties with France are, from left: Mr Pierre Saint Arroman, French Honorary Consul to Guyana; Public Works Minister, Mr Robeson Benn; President Donald Ramotar; newly-accredited French envoy, Mr Michael Prom; and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director-General of Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Photo by Sonell Nelson)

– in bid to forge closer ties
GUYANA and the Kingdom of Spain yesterday pledged to step up bilateral cooperation in various fields, as President Donald Ramotar received Letters of Credence for the newly-appointed non-resident ambassador of that country to Guyana, Mr Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez.

H.E. Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez, Ambassador of Spain, about to present his credentials to President Donald Ramotar
H.E. Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez, Ambassador of Spain, about to present his credentials to President Donald Ramotar

Also presenting Letters of Credence to President Ramotar yesterday was newly-accredited Ambassador of France, Mr Michael Prom.
Ambassador Lopez said Guyana would find in Spain a strong ally, and a reliable partner that wants to expand its bilateral relationship in several areas, including the establishment of treaties, policies, and political cooperation and in trade and investment.
With Spain being the second largest investor in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ambassador Lopez said it is therefore relevant and feasible for it to increase the volume of its trade with Guyana, especially in areas where Spain has comparative advantage such as tourism, technology, industry and renewable energy.
According to President Ramotar, since Guyana and Spain formally established diplomatic ties on October 2, 1979, the relationship has been based on shared ideals and a determination to work together for the development of the people of both countries in a climate of peace, justice, equality, respect for human rights and the sovereignty of nations.
He said that the areas identified by Spain for expanding relations coincide with the issues on Guyana’s national development agenda that focus on building a sustainable economy, encouraging trade and investment, and strengthening partnership with like-minded countries.

President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn with the new Ambassador of Spain to Guyana H.E Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez, and Honorary  Consul of Spain to Guyana,  Brian Tiwari
President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn with the new Ambassador of Spain to Guyana H.E Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez, and Honorary Consul of Spain to Guyana, Brian Tiwari

This being the case, the President said Guyana looks forward to developing a programme of cooperation with Spain that would enhance the profile of relations between the two countries, to their mutual benefit.
Again, as Guyana prepares to host the next CARICOM-Spain Joint Commission in May, President Ramotar said he hoped the mechanism will continue to provide the platform for solid collaboration between Spain and CARICOM, and also allow for the consolidation of technical cooperation.
The President also commended Spain’s investment in several areas in CARICOM, and advised that Guyana is actively considering that country’s request for its support with regards to seeking membership to the United Nations Security Council.
Ambassador Prom, meanwhile, also pledged to deepen ties between France and Guyana, identifying the fight against global warming as one area for strengthening relations, a fight he openly acknowledged that Guyana has long been in the forefront of. He also listed culture, education, and sport and security as other areas of possible cooperation.

President Donald Ramotar welcomes new Ambassador of France to Guyana   H.E. Michael Prom, following his accreditation
President Donald Ramotar welcomes new Ambassador of France to Guyana H.E. Michael Prom, following his accreditation

Conceding that there is a whole lot our two countries can do to strengthen the relationship they already enjoy, President Ramotar said that at previous high-level exchanges between the two countries, the Government of Guyana had underscored the potential of cooperation in tourism, environmental protection and sustainable development, and security and creating links.
At this point, he took the opportunity to thank France for its on-going programmes of assistance to Guyana in the area of Law Enforcement, noting that such help is particularly welcome in these times of increased security challenges.
He said that Guyana looks forward to exploring mechanisms to implement activities in other areas that would take the two countries’ bi-lateral relationship to a new level.
The President also expressed Guyana’s appreciation for France’s approval of a Guyanese Honorary Consul in French Guiana.
He expressed confidence that the appointment would allow for the promotion of trade and business opportunities between Guyana and French Guiana. (GINA)

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