President David Granger on Wednesday accredited non-resident High Commis-sioners of Botswana and Zambia to Guyana and expressed hope of improved bilateral relations with the two countries.
At separate ceremonies held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Granger accepted Letters of Credence from Tebogo Teko Lily Motshome, of Botswana, and Alfreda Chilekwa Kansembe Mwamba, of Zambia.
In brief remarks during the first ceremony, Granger pointed out that Guyana and Botswana have enjoyed “excellent” relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 44 years ago, on October 28th, 1975.
“Our relationship is 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 international peace and security,” he said before adding that the relations between the two countries were strengthened by the state visit of then President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama in 1975 and by the work of skilled Guyanese in that country’s public sector.
“We look forward to the revitalisation of bilateral cooperation, between our states, during your tenure, particularly in the areas of agriculture, air transportation, green development, mining, public health, trade and tourism,” he said.
Granger noted that Guyana and Botswana have worked closely with each other within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. He assured that Guyana reaffirms its commitment to deepening engagements and cooperation with Botswana within these organisations.
He noted, too, that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a “green state,” which places emphasis on the protection of the environment, the preservation of its biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.
These objectives, the president said, are aligned with those articulated in Botswana’s Vision 2036, which aims at the “sustainable utilisation of natural resources, water security, energy security, sustainable land use and management, sustainable human settlements, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction….”
He stressed that the two countries’ shared commitment to sustainable development can form the basis of mutually beneficial exchanges of experiences.
Meanwhile, speaking on Guyana relations with Zambia, Granger reminded that the countries have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties on February 11th, 1971.
He said that the good relations between the two countries were cemented by the close personal friendship between Guyana’s first Prime, Minister Forbes Burnham, and Zambia’s first President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, who were both passionate advocates of the African Liberation. President’s Kaunda’s visit to Guyana in 1975, he informed, helped to deepen relations between the two states.
Granger said that Mwamba’s appointment will create the opportunity for both nations to exchange good practices and experiences in “green” development.
Mwamba, in brief comments, said Zambia looks forward to the day when Guyanese tourists visit the African nation to see the magnificent Victoria Falls and its national parks, one of which is the birth place of the safaris.
She said that her country seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation, in “whatever shape or form.”
