29 years of Russia-Guyana relations lauded


Guyana Chronicle
June 21, 1999


RUSSIAN Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Igor Nikolaevich Prokopiev, presented his letters of credence to President Janet Jagan last Friday at the Presidential Secretariat.

In brief remarks, the new Ambassador said that his Government was satisfied with the status of the 29 years Russian-Guyanese relations.

"For this period of time useful for both countries, cooperations in political, cultural, trade and economic areas had been established," Mr Prokopiev told the President at her New Garden Street office.

He added that despite the fact that both countries were facing well-known difficulties, there exist possibilities for further development of bilateral relations.

"We, by joint efforts, will be able to use them in the interests of Russia and Guyana for the welfare of their peoples," the Ambassador offered.

According to Prokopiev, Russia appreciates the consistent efforts made by the Guyana Government towards the benefit of the entrenchment of universal peace and international security. Such efforts include Guyana's constructive activities in the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Group of 77 and China (of which Guyana is Chair), and in other international and regional organisations.

The Russian envoy assured President Jagan that he would be making every effort to further build Russian-Guyanese relations, and to develop mutual understanding and confidence between the two countries.

In her response, President Janet Jagan commented on the approaching 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and noted that throughout the period, Guyana has enjoyed close, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations.

"Russia has made a lasting contribution, in many areas, to the development of Guyana. One striking example is in the area of capacity building.

"Those students who have been beneficiaries of the numerous scholarships offered by Russia have returned to Guyana well-equipped to advance the development of our country," the Guyanese leader told the Ambassador.

According to the President, as the world approaches the new millennium, the two countries must review the relations and forge a new programme of cooperation.

"One that will be reflective of the needs and challenges of this period of globalisation and trade liberalisation; and one that will also be grounded in a mature recognition of each other's capacity and resources," Mrs Jagan stated.

The President added that given the mutual understanding and friendship that underlie the relations between Guyana and Russia, she was confident that the reassessment will be swiftly and successfully completed. She predicted that the 21st century will witness the successful expansion of the present cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.

Mrs Jagan said she also looked forward to sustained and meaningful interaction between the two countries at the multilateral level.

The President said that Guyana placed high priority on involvement in the United Nations and its associated bodies, since the Government was conscious of the fact that the creation of an peaceful, secure, and humane world order will make an enabling environment for the security and sustainable development of small countries.

"As the current Chairman of G-77 and China, Guyana is endeavouring to make its contribution to this international process," the President stated.

According to her, issues such as poverty eradication, debt reduction, economic growth, health, education and the environment, are of critical concern to developing countries, and are being addressed within this grouping.

President Jagan noted that Guyana has observed that Russia has expressed active interest in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean.

This country's situation as a Caribbean, Atlantic and Amazonian country, Mrs Jagan said, will facilitate cooperation with Russia at this level, and thus complement the bilateral programme.

Mrs Jagan assured the Ambassador of full support from the Government as he sought to fulfill his mandate .


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