— says President at Russia Day Reception

GUYANA and Russia continue to share common concerns relating to threats of terrorism and other transnational crimes, said President David Granger at Friday’s Russia Day reception.

The head of state said the common abhorrence of the negative effects of such threats form a basis for continued cooperation within the global multilateral system.
As such, the Guyanese leader said Guyana looks forward to strengthening its friendship with Russia through the pursuit of those common interests in the years ahead.

“Guyana and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations and collaborated in the fields of culture, education, economics, security and science. Guyana iterates its appreciation for Russian support for debt relief and disaster relief. We are pleased with the recent conclusion of a treaty to guide our basic relations and with the signature of agreements relating to visa waivers…The Patrice Lumumba University was established in the era of de-colonisation and numerous Guyanese have enjoyed scholarships there and, later, at the People’s Friendship University of Russia,” said President Granger.

Guyana and Russia have enjoyed excellent formal and informal relations for over 50 years and the President noted Russia’s immense contributions to the world’s rich heritage through the historic accomplishments of its people’s in the arts, economics, politics, science, sport, technology and other fields. He described the country as “an influential member of the international community.”

The head of state also took the opportunity to wish Russia success in the hosting of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup 2018, which commences next week.
“The streaming of the matches from Russia will be followed eagerly around the world and by Guyanese football fans,” he said.

Meanwhile, newly-accredited Russian Ambassador, Alexander Kurmaz, said that like Guyana, Russia too is home to different ethnicities and cultures and said that they too work towards a motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’.
“We are working very hard with the members of the Guyanese Government in order to establish a durable agenda for boosting the inter-ministerial and inter-governmental context to come back, first of all, to the practice of regular visits between the two countries,” he said.

Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation. It is celebrated annually and commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) on June 12, 1990.

The occasion also marks the adoption of the new Russian Constitution, a new national flag, national anthem and emblem and new name for the country; the Russian Federation.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who is currently performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, and former President Donald Ramotar were among those in attendance.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was a special guest at last night’s event. Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines share the same Russian envoy.