Government on Sunday formally extended congratulatory greetings to the Prime Minister and the people of India, in recognition of that country’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
These sentiments were expressed by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at an evening of cocktails at the Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel.
India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Subit Kumar Mandal, hosted members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and members of parliament and representatives of various stakeholder groups, including the business community.
In the exchange of greetings that were shared by the leading officials, Prime Minister Hinds and High Commissioner Subit Kumar Mandal, outlined common points of respect and future relations and development.
Prime Minister Hinds referred to India’s struggles for independence which resulted in the creation of a strong nation and culture and its preservation.
Guyana and India have long conducted several high level exchanges and cooperation programmes in political, economic, social and cultural fields, relations that have remained strong.
It was noted that ties between Guyana and India are driven by interested persons in both countries, who are cognizant of benefits of good relations and of increased cooperation and building a strong and diversified economic partnership.
Also referred to was the position that the two countries will move towards an intensification of coordination in common organisations, such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the World Trade Organisation, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the G77 Group.
The Prime Minister noted that as Guyana continues to develop, the Administration welcomes investors, citing the fact-finding mission of the D.Y. Patil Group. He posited that this was an expansion of linkages in trade relations between the two countries and that he looks forward to working together to further the work of global awareness on the effects and implications of climate change.
He also expressed confidence that the two countries can work together to realize the goal of Guyana’s National Development Strategy in enhancing science and technology development, given India’s prowess in the field.
Mandal shared that developments in India are rapidly moving forward, with faith in the country’s growing economy, which is recovering from the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. He noted that there is political stability and supreme confidence in the youth of India, and that there is a prioritization of economic and infrastructural growth, village connectivity and education, ensuring private sector vibrancy, and the electrification of rural villages.
Prime Minister Hinds expressed congratulations to India for being the host of the 19th Commonwealth Games, in which Guyana will be competing, sending teams to participate in eight disciplines, including athletics, swimming, boxing, rugby, squash, cycling, table tennis and shooting. He reiterated that Guyana was pleased to be one of the venues for the torch relay preceding the games.
Mandal assured that all necessary security arrangements and precautions are in place and that India welcomes all to celebrate the spirit and fellowship of Commonwealth people at the games, which he said “are going to be spectacular.”
Toasts were expressed, recognising the desire for continued strong relations between the peoples of Guyana and India and to the good health and happiness of the respective heads of state. (GINA)