President Irfaan Ali accepted the letters of credence yesterday appointing Liselle Blankendal as the Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to Guyana, the Office of the President said yesterday.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ali declared that the current relationship between the governments of Guyana and Suriname is based on a “climate of trust and mutual respect.” He emphasised the importance of the neighbouring nations enhancing collaboration on issues regarding climate change and the post-pandemic economic recovery.
“I remain committed to preserving and building on this solid foundation. You can be assured of my Government’s full support as you carry out your mandate in furthering the excellent relations that exist between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname,” the President told Ambassador Blankendal. He opined that the Ambassador’s appointment comes at a pivotal and “exciting phase” in the relations between the two states.
President Ali expressed confidence that the appointment would also serve to further advance the cooperation agenda that the two Presidents have agreed upon, particularly in the areas of agriculture, energy, the environment, forestry and infrastructural integration.
Bilateral cooperation between the two states, according to the President, also augurs well for advancing regional integration. He reminded that both nations have key roles to play in drafting a CARICOM Energy Policy, focussed on renewable energy.
And with regard to regional food security, the President urged that cooperation must continue and assured that Guyana remains fully committed to supporting President Santokhi in his role as lead head for industrial policy and in guiding the regional effort, the release added.
