Guyana and Suriname can only overcome the many challenges to their economic and social development in an increasingly complex and globalised world if they unite as members of CARICOM President Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
Accepting letters of credence from Suriname's newly appointed Ambassador to Guyana, Manorma Soeknandan in the Credentials Room of the Presidential Secretariat, Jagdeo said the two countries needed to forge a strategic alliance for the promotion of common interests.
Soeknandan in her remarks said that in striving to overcome common social, political and economic problems, it was the honest intention of Suriname to increase co-operation in many sectors with Guyana and to endeavour to deepen relationships in the awareness of existing problems and challenges.
Guard of honour: Suriname's new ambassador to Guyana, Manorma Soeknandan inspecting a Guyana Defence Force guard of honour in the compound of the Office of the President prior to presenting her letters of credence to President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday. (See story on page (Photo by Aubrey Crawford)
"We are convinced," she said "that in emphasising co-operation, in mutual respect, we will find peaceful solutions for any bilateral challenges we have to face."
Soeknandan said that apart from sharing a similar history, Guyana and Suriname faced the same challenges that accompany the twin processes of increasing regionalisation and globalisation.
Relations between the two countries soured dramatically last year after the Surinamese navy evicted an oil exploration rig from Guyana's waters which had been hired by the Canadian company CGX.
Asked by reporters afterwards whether Suriname would like to see the return of the CGX Energy Inc oil exploration rig, Soeknandan said: "we would like to settle it in a peaceful way. The foundation has already been set in the Bahamas when the two presidents met. Let's see what the Heads of State decide."
President Jagdeo in his remarks said that the countries had a splendid opportunity to harness their geographical proximity, shared history and tradition of friendly relations for their mutual benefit. He said that he was looking forward to meeting Suriname's President Ronald Venetiaan early next year to continue their dialogue with the aim of bringing the countries closer.
Soeknandan told reporters that the two foreign affairs ministries will have to get together to prepare the agenda.
As good neighbours, Jagdeo said, the two countries were well placed to eliminate the many barriers, which continue to divide the peoples of the region.
Noting that it was urgent that Guyana and Suriname explore fully every opportunity for eliminating the barriers, Jagdeo said that the new ambassador's appointment came at an important point in the relationship between the two countries and the task would be hers to pave the way for further diplomatic contact and communication.