Chile is to open an embassy in Guyana it was announced yesterday when its new envoy presented his credentials to President Donald Ramotar.
Non-resident Chilean Ambassador, Fernando Schmidt Ariztía presented his Letters of Credence to President Ramotar at the Presidential Complex, GINA said
The decision by Santiago to establish an embassy locally was also welcomed by President Ramotar who noted that since the establishment of formal ties in 1971, relations between the two South American countries have always been warm and cordial.
“Our two countries are also as one with respect to the firm adherence to the value of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the sanctity of treaties”, GINA quoted Ramotar as saying.
The decision of his government to open it first embassy here was described as a turning point in relations between the two nations, by Chile’s new ambassador. He said it was consistent with his country’s pro-active approach to building ties throughout the region, pointing to an “Open skies” agreement and a memorandum of understanding in mining, two of several areas being collaborated on.
He also made mention of the forum organised by the Chilean Cooperation Agency, intended to promote South-South ties.
Given the possibility that he may be the last non-resident ambassador from Chile, “speaks categorically about the will of my country and government to upgrade the level of exchange between us to benefit a more coherent and united continent”, the ambassador said.
With the establishment of new regional blocs and jockeying for influence, Latin American countries have shown heightened interest in diplomatic representation here. Chile’s neighbour, Argentina reopened its embassy in Georgetown in 2011 and Mexico also opened one here in 2009.
