Response by
His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana
to Accreditation of Speech
by His Excellency Henk J.W. Soeters
Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands - May 21, 2003
Excellency,
I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence by which Her Majesty Queen Beatrix accredits you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Guyana.
The diplomatic relations which have existed for more than three decades between Guyana and the Netherlands have been built on historical ties, friendship and mutual respect.
Excellency, the assistance which Guyana receives from the Netherlands especially in the areas of sea defence, capacity building and protection of the environment through the Tropenbos Conservation Project is very much valued. It would be remiss of me not to recognize also the technical and financial assistance provided through the European Union in support of our efforts to achieve national development.
In recent times our cooperation has been quite modest. There is much scope for expanding the existing programme to other areas.
It is my hope that the Netherlands as a partner of Guyana will continue to stand by our side as we seek to improve the quality of life of our people.
Excellency, as you have observed some Dutch Landmarks including historic sites
and place names are still to be seen in our country. An important and most noteworthy
example is Fort Zeelandia which stands ten miles from the mouth of the Essequibo
River and is officially recognized as a national heritage monument protected
under the National Trust Act.
Excellency, in Guyana our policies and programmes are aimed at enhancing the
economic well being of our people, improving access to, and quality of social
services and the strengthening of democracy. We are seeking to change the nature
of politics from confrontation to greater collaboration In this context I have
recently signed with the Leader of the Opposition an Agreement, which provides
a framework for constructive engagement.
We hope to receive the support of friendly countries such as the Netherlands in not only in these domestic tasks but also in fashioning a world trading and financial system that will take account of the peculiar challenges that small developing countries such as Guyana, face.
In bidding you a warm welcome, I wish to assure you of the full cooperation of my Government as you discharge the mandate entrusted to you and hope that your tour of duty as Ambassador to Guyana will be pleasant and productive.
I thank you.