–President Ali says as he accepts Letters of Credence from Non-resident Ambassador

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday accepted the Letters of Credence from Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Federal Council to Guyana, Dr Jürg Sprecher.

He did so during a simple ceremony at his office on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, saying that he looks forward to greater bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to the Head of State, Guyana and Switzerland have enjoyed very cordial relations, and as such, the new Non-Resident Ambassador’s appointment allows the two countries to strengthen those relations further.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Government of Switzerland to explore areas for a more active approach to our bilateral agenda, especially in the areas of technical cooperation, trade and investment,” President Ali said.

The President said that Guyana notes Switzerland’s commitment to reducing poverty, promoting respect for human rights and democracy, and for the conservation of natural resources.

President Ali also applauded its support for Guyana’s diplomatic presence in Switzerland.
“I wish to assure you of the full support of the Government of Guyana in the discharge of your duties as Non-Resident Ambassador of the Swiss Federal Council to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” he said, adding: “As you embark on this new assignment, I express my best wishes to you for a productive and successful tenure of duty.”

Best wishes and continued good health were also conveyed to the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin.
In response, Dr. Sprecher said that the Swiss Government is following the development of Guyana “with great interest”, and that he has been charged with further enhancing the excellent relations between the governments and their citizens.

“Indeed,” he said, “the current global challenges show once again how important cooperation at the international level is. 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 in undertakings of multilateral cooperation.”

Ambassador Sprecher will also be accredited as the Swiss representative to the Caribbean Community.

(Office of the President)