President Irfaan on Friday paid tribute to the relationship between Guyana and Norway and says that both countries are aware of the importance of the Blue economy.
According to a release from the Office of the President, these remarks were uttered by the president as he accepted the Letters of Credence from Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana, Odd Magne Ruud, at the Office of the President in Georgetown.
Ali also said that Guyana, like Norway, recognises the importance of the ‘blue economy’ which seeks to balance human well-being, social equality and environmental sustainability. He took the opportunity to reaffirm Guyana’s support for the international declaration on transnational organised crime in the global fishing industry, and the Blue Justice Initiative.
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”
The Head of State also highlighted that Guyana and Norway have forged a “special relationship” that was exemplified by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation on issues related to the fight against climate change, the protection of biodiversity and the enhancement of sustainable development in 2009.
“That momentous occasion was a watershed in relations between Guyana and Norway. It remains a model of how States can partner to forge climate and environmental cooperation, and has helped to propel Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”
President Ali noted that as much as Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) incorporates a strong commitment to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, the country is not oblivious to the growing concerns surrounding the harnessing of the ocean’s resources.
Ali also thanked Norway for offering its expertise and contributing to Guyana’s transition to a renewable energy mix. And further, he is looking forward to the expansion of cooperation in other areas that would provide the impetus to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Ruud commended Guyana for signing the Copenhagen Declaration to combat transnational organised crime in the global fishing industry. He also acknowledged that the development of a sustainable Blue economy is vital for Norway and Guyana, both of whom depend on the ocean.
Guyana and Norway established diplomatic relations in 1979.
