Hinds, performing functions as president in the absence of President Bharrat Jagdeo, accepted the credentials from High Commissioner of Botswana Charles Thembani Ntwaagae and Belgium Ambassador Leopold Carrewyn at a brief ceremony hosted at the Office of the President.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Ntwaagae held the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation from January 2006 to July 2008. He also served as ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York in 2008. Ntwaagae was also Botswana’s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations based in Geneva, among other posts.
In an interview with GINA he said his main aim will be to strengthen Guyana/Botswana relations. The two countries have had diplomatic ties since 1978 following the signing of a cooperation agreement. This had been strengthened in 1988 and since then collaboration had led to exchanges for the development of the education sector of both countries as teachers from Guyana were dispatched to Botswana and vice versa.
The high commissioner said too he is interested in working to develop other areas where potential exists. He alluded to forestry management noting that Guyana has a wealth of expertise in this area. Ntwaagae also said he is impressed with the efforts Guyana has made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and as such this is another area where the countries can collaborate on interventions to fight this scourge.
According to GINA the diplomat said he is also interested in working in areas of cultural cooperation and on youth and gender issues. “Culture is one area that I would want to explore over the years of my assignment here,” Ntwaagae said. Guyana had extended an invitation to Botswana to participate in Carifesta X, the release said.
Meanwhile, the Belgian ambassador said his focus would be on cementing the low-profile relationship between Guyana and Belgium. He said he sees potential in the mining sector and “trade balance is very much in favour of Guyana because of mostly the diamond trade.”
Carrewyn said too he sees potential in the ecology, energy, agriculture and shipping areas. He also said Belgium is aware of President Jagdeo’s position on climate change and he believes that efforts are needed to promote the development of the world’s forests.
