THE Ambassador of Kazakhstan to CARICOM His Excellency Konstantin Zhigalov, on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency.The ambassador’s visit to Guyana was to present his credentials to the CARICOM Secretary General. He is the first Ambassador from Kazakhstan to represent his country in the Caribbean.

During his two-day visit, Ambassador Zhigalov requested an audience with Prime Minister Nagamootoo and the Prime Minister’s office was the venue where fruitful discussions on a range of issues took place between the ambassador and the Prime Minister.

PM Nagamootoo said he was very impressed by the ambassador’s knowledge of the situation in Guyana and the Caribbean. He noted that the ambassador had worked in many countries where there are similar political systems, as in a president, prime minister and ministers, and where people depend on trade with other countries to boost the economy.

The PM added it is his hope that relations between Guyana and Kazakhstan would develop, and trade would take place between the two countries, particularly in terms of finding markets for our rice at this time. He welcomed to Guyana with great pleasure, Ambassador Zhigalov.

The Prime Minister also met with the delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Olivier Inizan, Coordinator (Operations & Programmes) of the Regional Office for Central America and the Caribbean; Amado Philip de Andres, Regional Representative; and UN Resident Representative to Guyana Khadija Musa were the ones who represented that delegation.

The Prime Minister expressed his interest in the work of UNODC in Central America and the Caribbean, and the possibility of helping to train Guyana’s judicial personnel was discussed.

Nagamootoo explained that the government, as a matter of discharging its portfolio responsibility, provides prosecutors in cases dealing with special crimes and drugs, and also deals with asset recovery and a wide range of issues of interest to Guyana.

The PM said the meeting was fruitful, and he is optimistic of Guyana receiving assistance in efforts to fight crime and the narco-trade. He said it is his wish to see Guyana work and partner with others in the fight against crime and drugs.

PM Nagamootoo said the work of the delegation excited him very much, even as they detailed their work in this Region. The delegation would also be meeting with the Attorney General and the Minister of Public Security, the PM explained. (Michel Outridge)