Response by His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Accreditation Speech of
His Excellency Dag. Mork Ulnes
Ambassador of Norway to Guyana - November 21, 2001

Excellency:

In accepting the Letters of Credence by which His Majesty King Harald V of Norway accredits you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Guyana and the Letters of Recall of your Predecessor, I would like to extend to you a warm welcome to our country.

Let me also convey through you to His Majesty my appreciation of his kind greetings together with my best wishes from the Government and people of Guyana for the continued progress and well being of the people of Norway.

Excellency, over the years, our two countries have enjoyed good relations at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. It is my sincere hope that during the time that you will serve as Ambassador, Norway and Guyana will be able to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation which exists between our two countries.

I share your view that the possibility should be explored for increased commercial relations between our two countries, even as we explore further areas for cooperation in the ensuing years particularly in the areas of shipping and industry.

Over the years, my Government has sought ways to enhance the socio-economic and political development of our people through increased political dialogue, the alleviation of poverty, more opportunities for growth and development and the protection of the environment.

However, we cannot hope to succeed alone. I would therefore encourage the Government of Norway, which has shown an exemplary willingness to help developing countries by satisfying the 0.7% target for Overseas Development Assistance to join us more closely in our development efforts.

Excellency, I should like to pay tribute to your country for its role in promoting not only development but also peace and security, particularly in the Middle East. As a small state, Norway has excellent credentials for assisting the peace process. Your contribution to the work of the Security Council as a non-permanent member has been laudable. Guyana was pleased to be among those who made your election possible.

Excellency, my Government stands ready to support you in the discharge of your responsibilities. I hope that your tenure as Ambassador of Norway to Guyana will be both pleasant and successful.