RESPONSE BY
HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
TO THE SPEECH BY
HIS EXCELLENCY TARA SINGH,
HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA TO GUYANA - NOVEMBER 22, 2002

Excellency,

I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence by which His Excellency President Abdul Kalam accredits you as High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Guyana. I also accept the Letters of Recall of your predecessor.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the kind sentiments which you have conveyed from your President and ask that you convey my best wishes to him. On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana I also extend to the Government and people of the Republic of India best wishes for their continued progress and prosperity.

Excellency, your accreditation comes at a time when the relations between our two countries are at an extremely high level.

My Government is highly appreciative of the very valuable assistance which the Government of India continues to give in our efforts towards creating a better life for our people.

Excellency, my Government has elaborated a comprehensive development programme. One key element of this programme is the reduction of poverty. Human resource development and capacity building are main priorities in this regard. Many Guyanese have received training in several disciplines in institutions in India. They have returned to put into practice in both the public and private sectors, what they have learnt.

Another key element of our development programme is enhanced economic growth and development and as such, my Government has embarked on a radical programme of reform in the key sectors of our economy to ensure the nation’s survival in an increasingly globalised world. I look forward to not only an enhanced programme of capacity building but also increase trade and investment between our countries during your tenure. I assure you that your desire to facilitate and further this programme of cooperation will certainly be encouraged by my Government.

As a developing country Guyana is extremely cognizant of the need for us to develop partnerships with other like-minded states for a more just and equitable world. The current international climate requires that all nations commit to the efforts to ensure world peace and stability. For us the search for a just and equitable world is a vital and continuing challenge and one which must be addressed particularly since security is a natural prerequisite for development. This is why we are committed to furthering the call for a New Global Human Order which was initiated by the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan.

We certainly look forward to continued collaboration with India in the International arena to advance these goals.

Excellency, I am confident that your appointment as High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Guyana will contribute in no small way to the strengthening of the already existing good relations between our two countries, as we work for the betterment of our peoples.

I wish to assure you of the full support of my Government in the execution of your responsibilities.

Thank you.