President David Granger has accepted the Letters of Credence from Her Excellency Zana Rudi, accrediting her as Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Guyana, at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Ambassador Rudi is the first Ambassador to Guyana from Kosovo. In his remarks, President Granger said though Guyana and Kosovo are separated by more than 8,000 kilometres, the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on June 13, 2013.
“Our relations are founded on the bases of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security,” the President said.
The Head of State noted that Guyana and Kosovo share a common interest in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in ensuring respect for settled territorial and maritime boundaries. “Guyana expresses its appreciation for Kosovo’s support for respect of our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he added.
President Granger said too that Guyana, like Kosovo, is rich in bauxite reserves and therefore welcomes the opportunity for cooperation with Kosovo in the fields of mining and in the sustainable exploitation of natural resources.
“Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a ‘green state’. The ‘green state’ will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” he asserted.
Additionally, the President noted efforts being made by the Republic of Kosovo to increase access to finance for micro-, small and medium enterprises.
“We view this as a field in which our two states could exchange experiences as we strengthen our bilateral relations,” he said, while assuring the newly accredited Ambassador of the Government’s full support in the discharge of her duties.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Rudi said Guyana is the first country in South America to have established diplomatic relations with Kosovo. In 2013, Guyana became the 99th country in the world to recognise Kosovo, she said, noting that the two countries have nurtured a very good relationship ever since.
Guyana and Kosovo, the Ambassador said, have been “working together in multi-lateral settings and maintaining close coordination in international affairs based on mutual trust, shared values and universal respect for freedom and liberty.”
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador thanked Guyana for its support at the United Nations and at various regional and international fora over the years. She said it is her country’s intention to strengthen relations.
“Guyana becomes the first country in South America to promote diplomatic relations with Kosovo,” Ambassador Rudi said, noting that Kosovo is ready to work with the Government of Guyana to find creative ways to advance economic and political cooperation between the two countries as well as cooperation in education and cultural exchange in the future.
