–says there’s much to learn from both countries

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accredited as ambassadors to Guyana Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki and Mr Mostafa Alaei,of the Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Islamic Republic of Iran,respectively. Underscoring the fact that there’s much to be learnt from both countries, President Granger said Guyana and Nepal share common vulnerabilities to the adverse effects of climate change, and as such his government has taken note of that country’s promotion of community forest management.
He further explained that like Guyana, a low-lying coastal state susceptible to the effects of rising sea levels, floods, drought and environmental hazards, Nepal, which is a land-locked state, also faces increased climate-induced threats.
“We are both rich in hydro-electric potential. Our two countries can learn from each other’s experience in developing climate change adaptation plans, and in promoting renewable energy development,” he said.
“We feel that there is much for Guyana to learn from your country in forest conservation, and from the challenges in conserving our natural assets,” he told Dr. Karki.
He said that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1994, the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations, and it is expected that this appointment will serve to reignite the opportunities for deeper cooperation between them.
OUR COMMON VALUES
“Our two republics are united by common values of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs;

cooperation for mutual benefit; respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security,” the president said.

In response, Dr Karki said that Nepal places great importance on the relationship it shares with Guyana, since their ties were established on goodwill, understanding and strong bonds of friendships 23 years ago.

“These values are multi-faceted, and they encompass a broad spectrum of political, socio-economic, cultural and many more dimensions,”he said, adding:
“We are optimistic that Nepal and Guyana will be table to take our relationship to a new height. The bonds that we build will be based on trust and mutual benefit that are consistent with our potentials and the aspirations of our people.”
PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
Meanwhile, on presenting his Letters of Credence, Iran’s Mr Alaei said the relationship between Guyana and his country has always been characterised by peace and friendship, and based on the goodwill and benevolent aspirations of their respective governments.
As such, he said, the potential for the strengthening of ties between the two countries holds great promise.
“Clearly, this relationship carries with it great potentials to be realised within a wide spectrum of political, international and economic affairs,” Mr Alaei said, adding:
“At the national level, both countries possess vast resources of particular and specific importance, in different forms, needed for development.
Noting further that both countries complement each other, Mr Alaei went on to explain that there are many areas within which both countries could support each other and combine their efforts to advance common interests within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations (UN).
“In this context,” he said, “both governments, in our view, possess capacities and capabilities to even harness their abilities in the interest of South to South Cooperation.”
In welcoming him to the Guyanese diplomatic fold, President Granger underscored the fact that since Guyana established diplomatic ties with Iran in June 1985, both nations have always maintained cordial relations.
“There exists several possibilities for us to expand our cooperation, especially in the fields of agriculture, food production technology and hydro-electrical energy generation, thus expanding the existing capacity and furthering South-South cooperation,” President Granger told Ambassador Alaei.
He was keen to note, too, that as Guyana continues to advance its “green agenda”, Ambassador Alaei’s appointment can serve as the catalyst for the enhancement of relations, particularly in this area.
Said the president: “Guyana is establishing a “green state”; this emphasises the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services, and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.
“We are committed to a low-carbon, low- emission trajectory of development; more can be done to take advantage of the opportunities to bring our two countries and peoples together.
Mr Alaei, who replaces Ambassador Hojattolah Soltani, will be based in Caracas, Venezuela.