PRESIDENT David Granger accepted letters of credence from High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Ambassadors of the Portuguese Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium, on Wednesday, on which occasion the three diplomats pledged their countries’ support to strengthening ties with Guyana.

The accreditation ceremonies were held at the Ministry of the Presidency and were also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings.

In his remarks to Ambassador designate of the Kingdom of Belgium, Hugo Verbist, the President noted that the two countries have enjoyed friendly relations since they established diplomatic ties on June 10, 1971. He stated that while Guyana and Belgium are very different in demography, geography, history and culture, they share a commitment to the protection of human rights and international cooperation.

“I am confident that our two countries will strengthen our relationship and seek to collaborate in fields of mutual interest such as food production, technology and renewable energy development. I wish you every success during your tenure as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” the President said.

For his part, Ambassador Verbist pointed out that Guyana’s future is undoubtedly bright with its emergence into the oil and gas industry and Belgium is willing to support the country in meeting its objectives in the ways it can. He commended Guyana on its key role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and congratulated the country on its recent assumption of Chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G77) and China.

Ambassador Verbist noted that Belgium, as a member of the European Union (EU), is also proud to be in support of the EU Observer Mission presently assisting Guyana with the observation of its upcoming General and Regional Elections. Addressing High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai, President Granger, pointed to diplomatic relations established on October 25, 1974 and the similarities between the two countries.

One such is Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan – Education for Development: 2019-2023 targeting human capital development which can be compared to Guyana’s Decade of Development: 2020-2030 plan which highlights education as a pillar of human development. “Guyana welcomes the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation in the protection of the environment, agriculture and mining. We look forward to sharing experiences in creating sustainable economies through the development of our human resources, preserving peace and improving the quality of life of our people,” the President said. “I look forward with your appointment as High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Guyana to deepen our existing ties and expand our cooperation.”

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Wai said that Sierra Leone and Guyana have long-standing historical connections through the shipment of enslaved Africans from West Africa, which has contributed to some one third of the country being of African descent.

The High Commissioner also pointed out that the two countries share a common creole vernacular, culture and traditions, while they both are English-speaking countries and advocate for sustainable development, human rights, democracy and international peace. He commended Guyana’s commitment to regional integration in the Caribbean and stated that Sierra Leone looks forward to collaboration in the areas of tourism, agriculture, mining, education and energy. In accepting letters of credence from Ambassador designate of the Portuguese Republic, Carlos Amaro, President Granger highlighted that the two countries have over 40 years of established diplomatic ties beginning on December 5, 1978.

The President said: “Guyana and Portugal share rich ancestral and historical ties of over 185 years of immigration and integration in our society. The contributions of Portuguese who came here from the island of Madeira have left a lasting legacy on our nation’s economic, intellectual, political and social development. The descendants of the Madeirenses are true Guyanese who continue to build out multi-cultural nation.”

He expressed his hope that the ambassador’s appointment would advance increased cooperation in the fields of culture and renewable energy. In his remarks to the President, Ambassador Amaro said that the two countries are in an excellent position to cooperate as they not only share over a century of ties through the arrival of Portuguese immigrants to Guyana, but Portuguese people are entwined within the six races of Guyana.

With its special focus on the sustainable use of oceans, seas and maritime resources, he stated that the Portuguese Republic looks forward to working along with Guyana to advance the cause. He indicated that his country also has interest in cooperating with Guyana in the areas of renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure and other business opportunities. To the three diplomats, President Granger equally highlighted the importance of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), which will prepare the country to respond more effectively to challenges posed by global warming and rising sea levels.
He expressed that climate change represents a threat to the economies and environment of each country, as he gave example of the deadly wildfires in central and southern Portugal and its impact on human economic activity. With Guyana’s efforts towards becoming a ‘green’ state, he called on the countries to join in by advocating for positive action on global issues, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.