— President Ali underscores importance of LCDS, regional integration

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored the importance of the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and regional integration while accepting the Letters of Credence from Ambassador of Colombia to Guyana, Martha Cecilia Pinilla-Perdomo and non-resident Ambassador of Angola to Guyana, Florêncio Mariano da Conceição e Almeida. The two separate ceremonies took place at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive on Monday.
President Ali accredited the Colombian Ambassador first and passed on his best wishes to the President of the Republic of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez and for the continued prosperity of the country’s citizens.

The Head of State told the Colombian Ambassador that Guyana plays a leading role on matters of the environment. He highlighted that Guyana’s National Development Strategy is housed in an expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) framework and therefore takes the country’s responsibility in the world of climate change and environmental issues very seriously. “We look forward to working with Colombia as a partner in championing various aspects and challenges to confront the issue of climate change.”

The President also told the Angolan Ambassador that he has noted the “admirable strides” his country has made towards sustainable development, especially the implementation of the Angola Energy Plan that is aimed at increasing access to renewable energy generation and use.
“Guyana shares a similar focus. My government is in the process of refining its Low Carbon Development Strategy, which will be our blueprint for transforming our country’s economy along with a low carbon sustainable trajectory of development while at the same time promoting economic diversification. Our common aspirations in these and other areas provide the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Angola with the opportunity to share and exchange ideas, experiences and best practices.”

GUYANA-COLOMBIA LONGSTANDING TIES
The President reminded that Guyana and Colombia have shared long-standing ties of friendship and co-operation and that both countries are equally committed to consolidating democratic values and norms, to promoting and protecting human rights and the rule of law, and to the economic and social advancement of citizens from both countries in a safe and secure environment.
He added that Guyana’s foreign policy is anchored in respect for the United Nations and international law, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. “We respect the sanctity of treaties and espouse the peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.

SUPPORT OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION
The Head of State emphasised that Guyana is strongly supportive of regional integration as a means of both country’s economic potential being realised, which will become more important in the post-COVID period.
The President said that Guyana is looking forward to the strengthening of ties between Colombia and Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as well as within the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
President Ali added that the government is “firmly committed” to strengthening the partnership that is shared with Colombia and to expand the scope of the relations in the economic, social, environmental and cultural spheres.
“Guyana-Colombia relations have advanced through our bilateral engagements. The Guyana/Colombia Joint Commission, established in November 1993, has served as an important mechanism in that regard. Guyana is especially grateful for the beneficial co-operation effected over the years, including in the areas of agriculture, culture, education, health, human resource development, language training, science and technology, sport and tourism.”

NEW HORIZON
President Ali, in accrediting the non-resident Angolan Ambassador, conveyed warm greetings and sincere wishes for the continued personal well-being of the people of Angola and their President, João Gonçalves Lourenço.
The Head of State said that the accreditation presents the opportunity for a new era in relationship between Guyana and Angola.
“You will recall that this relationship was founded on shared values, particularly in support of the African Liberation Movement.  Guyana looks forward to charting a new era in relations between our two states, with greater emphasis on economic co-operation.”
President Ali said that given that Guyana is now an oil-producing State, the government is prioritising the sound management of the oil and gas resources while promoting economic diversification.
“Like Guyana, Angola has similar objectives of economic diversification.  This commonality, I believe, can engender an active programme of bilateral economic co-operation between our two states, particularly in the areas of agriculture and agro-processing.”
At the end of the ceremonies, President Ali wished both ambassadors a successful tenure. (Office of the President)