PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday received Letters of Credence from two foreign ambassadors at State House. Credentials were presented by non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Egypt to Guyana Alaaeldin Wagih Roushdy and Ambassador designate of Switzerland to Guyana, Mr. Didier Chassot.Ambassador Roushdy thanked Guyana for its support for membership to international organisations and specialised committees. He said that although the trade and economic policies are not to expectations, the political environment enjoys greater satisfaction.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on September 10, 1971 and friendly relations were based on shared mutual values and respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, peace and security.

According to President Granger, the possibility exists for enhanced relations between the two countries in agriculture, commerce, education and health.

“I am confident that your appointment as Ambassador will serve as a catalyst for the enhancement for our programme of cooperation, I am also confident that your appointment will further strengthened relations between our two countries particularly,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Switzerland to Guyana, Didier Chassot said his government has followed the development in Guyana and it is his intention to fulfill all obligations to the best of his ability.

The Switzerland envoy said his country works to develop mutual relations with other countries worldwide. In a world with global challenges, the envoy said his country is seeking to strengthen worldwide cooperation as Switzerland intends to remain a close partner of Guyana from the level of bilateral relations as well as multilateral cooperation.

“In addition to the relations with our neighbours and partners in Europe, Switzerland’s Foreign Policy centers around the alleviation of need and poverty in the world, the promotion and respect for human rights and democracy, the peaceful coexistence of peoples, as well as the conservation of natural resources. My country is committed to peace and security. Today more than ever we are facing global challenges, which we can only meet by strengthening worldwide cooperation. In that sense I can assure you that Switzerland intends to remain a close and reliable partner of Guyana both on the level of our bilateral relations, as well as undertaking of multilateral cooperation,” the Swiss Ambassador said.

President Granger congratulated the diplomat on his appointment and noted that Guyana and Switzerland have enjoyed four decades of cordial relations since its establishment of formal diplomatic relations on May 24, 1977.

He said Guyana is willing to work with likeminded countries on both bilateral and multilateral levels to ensure an environment that is conducive and prosperous for all.

“Guyana’s commitment to the establishment of a green state is fully compatible with our adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Guyana’s development agenda balances environmental sustainability with the objective of economic development and human wellbeing. Guyana, in this regard, is keen to benefit from the experience and expertise of the Government of the Swiss Confederation in its implementation of its ‘Green’ Economy Action Plan,” the President said.