RESPONSE BY
HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
TO THE SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY AHMAD SOBHANI
AMBASSADOR OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO GUYANA - JUNE 26, 2002

Your Excellency,
I am pleased to receive from you, the Letters of Credence by which President Khatami accredits you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Guyana. I also accept the Letters of Recall of your predecessor.

I extend to you a warm welcome to our country on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana. The friendly and fraternal greetings that you bring from your esteemed President are greatly appreciated. I ask that you to convey to President Khatami my own good wishes for his continued good health and success.

Excellency, the relations between our two countries reflect our desire to work together in our common interest and for the good of the world. In the past, groups of Iranian businessmen have held trade fairs in Guyana to showcase your country’s products. These exhibitions have been well received by the Guyanese community and should be continued in the interest of developing economic relations. I take this opportunity to extend, through you, an invitation to all interested persons to participate in an upcoming exhibition GUYEXPO 2002 to be hosted by Guyana in September. Participation by Iran will certainly encourage the possibilities for trade between the two countries.

Excellency, my Government is committed to improving the livelihood and well being of its people. In this regard, we are actively pursuing policies aimed not only at developing trade but also at attracting foreign investment in the main sectors of our economy including agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the evolving IT sector. I have no doubt that there is scope for Iranian participation in these enterprises and would therefore encourage you to explore them.

At the multilateral level has been appreciable. I have noted that our two countries have collaborated closely on many global issues in various international fora including the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77 and of course, the United Nations. This has been possible, I believe because of our shared commitment to the cause of global peace and development.

Guyana fully supports the Dialogue among Civilisations which has been promoted by Your Excellency’s Government. It is a timely and useful initiative especially in these times when the world is divided by conflict. There is a clear need for understanding and tolerance among nations. Even within nations, where tensions exist, dialogue can serve to bridge differences and promote peace within societies.

As you begin your mission, Excellency, I wish to assure you of my Government’s readiness to assist you as much as possible in the performance of your duties.

Thank you.