France’s Ambassador to Guyana Richard Barbeyron said his country was looking to broaden its relations with Guyana.

Barbeyron presented his credentials to President Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday at the Office of the President. The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Barbeyron noted that with French-speaking countries such as Martinique, Guade-loupe and French Guiana participating in Carifesta X it is a good start for France to establish good relations with this country.

The ambassador said the countries’ strong cultural policies can open many doors. “A lot of bridges are being built between Brazil and Guyana and we have to build more bridges between us,” he said. Barbeyron also noted that the region is moving to integrate thereby facilitating more regional trade, “there’d be more provisions, and France and Guyana have to follow this tendency.” The ambassador also explained that he intends to hold talks with the government to identify some areas where the two countries can collaborate.

Barbeyron, who is also fluent in English and Spanish, holds a Bachelor’s degree in law and a Diploma in Business Administration. He is ranked as Senior Counsel-lor for Foreign Affairs in his homeland. The Knight of the Legion of Honour and Knight of the National Order of Merit were also bestowed on him. Barbeyron previously served in various prestigious positions including as Consul-General in Chicago from 2004-2007, Second Counsel-lor at the French Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti from 1995-1998 and First Secre-tary at the French Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela from 1991-1995.