Guyana and the Russian Federation are looking forward to deepening cooperation, committing to build on the 48-year-old diplomatic relationship.
This commitment was made on Friday evening during a reception hosted to celebrate Russia Day, which will be observed on June 12.
The day commemorates the establishment of Russia as an independent country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, officially recognising the day that the Declaration of the Sovereignty of the Russian Federation was signed.
In congratulating Russia and its people on this significant day, President David Granger posited Guyana and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations for decades, from which Guyana has benefited in several fields. Guyana and Russia formally forge diplomatic ties in 1970.
“Guyana and Russia have enjoyed cordial relations and have collaborated in the fields of culture, education, economics, security and science. Guyana takes opportunity to reiterate appreciation of Russians support for debt and disaster relief… We share common concerns about threats of terrorism and other transnational crimes. Our common abhorrence of the negative effects of these threats forms the basis of continuation of cooperation within the global multi-lateral system. Guyana looks forward to strengthening its friendship with Russia through the pursuit of our common interests in the years ahead,” he noted.
According to the Head of State, the excellent formal and informal relations that the two countries enjoyed for over 50 years are predicated on mutual respect for each other’s’ territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s’ internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefits, respect for treaties and international laws, and the maintenance of peace and security.
Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, told those gathered at the reception that despite the challenges over the past four years, the bond between the two countries has not broken. He pointed out that like Guyana, Russia too is comprised of many different ethnicities, traditions and cultures.
“History has shown that Guyana shares this stance of foreign policy and is willing to forge durable alliances without prejudice to its interest and security to other states… We hope that common sense and desire to cooperate will gain the upper hand against ideological bias, geopolitical zero-sum games and financial egocentrism. However, open door policy is an essential part of our foreign relations as long as they are based on fair treatment, mutual understanding and respect,” the Russian Diplomat said.
Ambassador Kurmaz went on to call for more engagements and visits between two countries.
“We are working very hard with the members of the Guyanese Government in order to establish a durable agenda for boosting the inter-ministerial and inter-governmental context to come back, first of all, to the practice of regular visits between the two countries,” he said.
The reception, which was held at the Russian House in Kitty, Georgetown, saw the attendance of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who is currently performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, and former President Donald Ramotar. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, was a special guest at last night’s event.
Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines share the same Russian envoy.
