Argentina is considering assistance to the security sector in Guyana, its Ambassador Luis Martino says.
Speaking at the bicentenary celebrations of the independence of the Argentine Republic, which was hosted by the Argentine Embassy at the Marriott Hotel Guyana, Martino said that Buenos Aires is committed to starting a new phase of bilateral relations.
“This vision applies not only to Government agencies but also to the private sector, to work closer together to identify and strengthen the potentialities that already exist. We are looking at a project dealing with Public Security, on a wide range of issues, such as Criminology, Forensic Studies, Environment, Piracy, Fishing and Anti-Smuggling, Forensic Medicine, among other areas. The proposed package is now under review of the different agencies in Argentina, so that we can draft the plan on the way forward,” a release from the Ministry of the Presidency quoted him as saying.
He noted that Argentina is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Protected Areas Commission over an on-line and on-site three months course in Buenos Aires on protected areas and national parks.
The Argentine Embassy is also working with the National Gallery on a project that involves the eventual restoration of around 45 pieces of art work belonging to the National Collection, the release added.
“By no means least, we are also engaged in a lively discussion in the area of sports, in coordination with the Ministry of Education… and the Guyana Olympic Association, to bring to Guyana a rugby coach from Argentina for an intensive training of the National Team, the “Green Machine”, in preparation for the final of the Rugby Americas North Championship to take place in Mexico City at the end of July,” he pointed out.
President David Granger in his address said that while great distances separate the two countries, geographically, they remain united by the idea of a more integrated South America.
“We adhere to the ideals of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organisation of American States (OAS). Guyana and Argentina belong to a continent of cultural, political and social diversity. The common membership we share in these organisations allows us to diminish these differences through the pursuit of common objectives. Continental cooperation allows us to find common ground, to build consensus and to confront the challenges we face,” Granger said.
He added that Guyana and Argentina share common values such as “mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, co-operation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of peace and security”, the release reported Granger as saying. This would be seen as a veiled reference to ongoing concerns about Venezuela’s aggression towards Guyana.
The President added that Guyana will seek to capitalise on and strengthen this relationship.
“Guyana understands that it plays an important role as the ‘gateway’ between the Caribbean and the Continent. We are convinced that, with a common vision and a common voice, we can avert conflict and overcome threats to our individual and collective security. Guyana avails itself of the opportunity to iterate its commitment to maintaining our Continent as a zone of peace. The countries of South America can be an example to the world by creating a community where our peoples and nations co-exist in peace. The possibilities for increased cooperation between Guyana and the Argentine Republic are encouraging,” the President added.
Martino said that as Guyana commemorates its Golden Jubilee and Argentina it’s bicentennial, it is his wish and that of his Government, that the year will bring nothing else but closer ties between the two countries.
The release said that among those in attendance were First Lady, Sandra Granger, former President, Donald Ramotar, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and other Ministers of the Government.
