President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday accepted Letters of Credence from diplomats from the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to a release from the Office of the President, Ali, welcomed the ambassador from Nigeria, Abubakar Danlami Ibrahim and the ambassador from the Czech Republic, Sandra Lang Linkensederova and accepted their Letters of Credence at his office on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown.
In his remarks to the diplomats, the president affirmed his readiness to collaborate with the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in areas such as agriculture and food security, the release stated. He encouraged the Nigerian ambassador to meet with government officials from the key sectors as well as the private sector while highlighting the great importance Guyana is placing on food security. He also mentioned the Agri Investment Conference and Expo to be held later this month. It was suggested that the ambassador attend the event so as to identify specific areas of agriculture cooperation and investment.
The President told the Czech Republic Ambassador that the challenges of the twenty-first century “transcend” borders and that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of interdependence at a global level.
“We should therefore not ignore what can be achieved collectively. Guyana is on a path of economic transformation and diversification leading to sustainable development. We recognise that if we want to achieve sustainable development as a developing country, one of the things we must tackle first is food security,” Ali was quoted as saying.
He also noted that since agriculture is a traditional sector of the Czech Republic’s economy, the two countries should seek cooperation in the area. Further, since Guyana is on the path to improve its health facilities, it would welcome the Czech Republic’s assistance in this area.
President Ali also told the Nigerian Ambassador that he is looking forward to the continued exchanges between the two countries’ defence forces, as well as the possible signing of the negotiated bilateral air services agreement.
“Such an agreement will aid in the expansion of our trade relationships with Nigeria an area which our two nations have already begun to embark upon, and it will also help to create vital connections on a regional and international scale.”
And since both Nigeria and Guyana are oil producing nations, President Ali opined that the two can share experiences and explore avenues for economic security.
He also explained that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy aims to support economic transformation through cleaner and cheaper energy, and the provision of climate and ecosystem services while allowing the country to invest in climate change adaptation and mitigation, the release added.
President Irfaan Ali receiving Letters of Credence from Nigerian Ambassador designate Abubakar Danlami Ibrahim (Office of the President photo)
