RESPONSE BY
HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA
TO THE ACCREDITATION SPEECH
BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR PETRU PEPELEA
AMBASSADOR OF ROMANIA TO GUYANA - JUNE 28, 2002

Excellency,

I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence by which His Excellency the President of Romania accredits you as Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Guyana. Kindly convey our warm greetings and good wishes to the President, Government and people of Romania.

The evolution of your country’s democratic process and the resolute manner in which the Romanian people have confronted the challenges of economic and political restructuring and social renewal have been noteworthy. In Guyana, we remain committed to the consolidation of our hard won democracy, and to the economic and social progress of our people. Although the path to development is not easy we are determined to continue to work assiduously to create a country in which all Guyanese can achieve prosperity, in an environment of peace, unity and harmony.

I have observed the interest displayed by your country in forging partnerships with NATO and the EU. This step is a clear signal of Romania’s commitment to the process of integration. As a small developing country Guyana forms part of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the regional integration process through which we are now seeking to build a common Single Market and Economy. It is hoped that at the next Conference of Caricom Heads of Government which is about to take place next week in Guyana, under our Chairmanship, important steps will be taken to reach this objective.

Excellency, the relations between Guyana and Romania span almost three decades. As you have said, we have not been able to accomplish much, perhaps because of the distance which separates us and the lack of awareness of the possibilities which exist. I trust therefore that we will take a determined effort to explore areas in which cooperation can be pursued.

My Government attaches high priority to the development of trade and economic relations. Accordingly we have created an investment-friendly climate. There are many opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, mining and industrial production. It may be that these are areas in which Guyana and Romania can cooperate to our mutual benefit. We would have no objection to reviewing past Agreements to see how our relations can be made more dynamic.

Excellency, in welcoming you to Guyana, I wish to assure you of my Government’s readiness to assist you in the performance of your duties. I hope that you assignment will be both enjoyable and rewarding.