PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday accepted letters of credence from three ambassadors, among them Haralambos Kafkarides, Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Guyana.

The new High Commissioner will be resident in Brasilia, Brazil.

President Granger said that the relationship between the two countries are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non- interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security. In this regard, he said that, “Guyana reaffirms its unequivocal support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. Guyana rejects the use of force as a means of settling disputes. Guyana affirms the right of the people of Cyprus to have ownership and possession of all of its resources.”

“Guyana looks forward, also, to strengthening our bilateral relations. Cyprus’s experience in the field of tourism can be of considerable benefit to Guyana as we develop a diversified tourism product. It is my hope that during your tenure as High Commissioner that cooperation between our two countries can be advanced,” President Granger said.

For his part, High Commissioner Kafkarides said that Cyprus attaches great importance to the strengthening of its relations with Guyana at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. “Our two countries have signed a number of bilateral agreements and we are discussing the conclusion of others. High-level official visits have also contributed to the enhancement of our bonds of friendship and cooperation,” he said. Guyana and Cyprus established formal diplomatic ties 45 years ago, in February 1972.

Additionally, President Granger said that Guyana is looking forward to sharing experiences and expertise with the Republic of Georgia as both countries move to pursue green development initiatives. The Head of State made these remarks when he accredited Mr. David Solomonia as the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia to Guyana. Ambassador Solomonia will be resident in Brasilia, Brazil. The President noted that Guyana’s efforts to improve conditions of life for all its citizens and Georgia’s proven expertise in several fields of common interest represent a platform for enduring cooperation. “Guyana looks forward, therefore, to a new phase in our relations, one which will emphasise investment and innovation for our mutual benefit. Guyana is keen to benefit from Georgia’s expertise in the fields of agriculture, education and information communication technology,” he said.

Echoing the President’s sentiments, Ambassador Solomonia said that there is much scope for improved trade and economic exchanges between the two states which has the potential to significantly enhance social welfare and economic prosperity. Guyana and Georgia established diplomatic relations in April 2012 aimed, primarily, at promoting greater understanding and increasing people-to-people contact.
Also on Wednesday President Granger invited the State of Qatar to examine ways of investing in the development of the emergent oil and gas sector when he accepted the Letters of Credence from Mr. Mohammed Ahmad Al-Hayki, accrediting him as the new Non-Resident Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Guyana. Ambassador Al-Hayki will be based in Brasilia, Brazil.

During the ceremony, President Granger said that Guyana and Qatar have utilised their membership in organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to advance their shared interests. This, he said, is a reflection of the two countries’ confidence in the efficacy of multilateral diplomacy to address international issues which are beyond the capacities of single states, strong or weak, rich or poor. “Guyana looks forward to intensifying bilateral cooperation with Qatar and welcome Qatar’s resolve to strengthen relations with Guyana. Distance and economic, political and cultural differences should not constrain our collaboration in the future,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Al-Hayki informed that his country has committed to using its financial resources to investing in education, health and social welfare and human resources development. These investments have resulted in Qatar having one of the most advanced education systems and some of the best universities in the world. “I am honoured and looking forward to working and cooperating with members of your esteemed Government to develop and enhance the existing cordial relations between our countries,” he said. Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in August 1996.