"I call upon the political leadership of this country to sustain that commitment and engagement to create an enabling governance environment for sustainable development for all Guyanese", he said.

At a recent reception he hosted at the Georgetown Club in honour of the birth anniversary of Netherlands Queen Beatrix, the Dutch Ambassador noted the current local political rift between the Government and the Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), and said the issue of political dialogue remains of pivotal importance.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said he reminded the gathering that President Bharrat Jagdeo in his speech on attaining the presidency on March 31, 2001, had urged all Guyanese to work together unselfishly towards building national unity and reconciliation.

He noted that the President had also pledged to work with the Opposition, the agency said.

According to GINA, he said that more than a year later, progress had been made in this direction.

PNC/R and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, was among guests at the function. Others included Ministers of the Government and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

In his address, President Jagdeo praised the Netherlands Government for its technical and financial assistance to Guyana.

President Jagdeo said he was pleased that the Dutch have helped in the education and health sectors.

"I hope we can benefit more in other fields under the Dutch Development Programme", he said.

GINA said the Head of State pointed out that the amicable relations between the Netherlands and Guyana have resulted from shared values and not only history.

He noted that in the current difficult international environment, greater cooperation was needed between the highly industralised countries and developing countries like Guyana.

Such cooperation will enable small and vulnerable economies to overcome poverty and participate meaningfully at the global economic level, he said.

GINA said President Jagdeo hoped that the recent conference in Mexico on finance for development will serve as a catalyst for future international relations.

Mr. Jagdeo pointed out that debt relief is critical to Guyana since it makes valuable resources available for the implementation of programmes which fall within the framework of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.

Against this background, he thanked Ambassador Trefsers for the support given by the Dutch Government.

"We anticipate and thank you for the support especially as we seek an early completion point for the Enhanced HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) Initiative", he said.

President Jagdeo also expressed his Government's appreciation for the joint investment cooperation from the Netherlands. "Assistance in encouraging Dutch and private investment in our country will also be greatly appreciated", he said.

He, however, noted that such investments will not take place in a political climate of tension and uncertainty.

"Unfortunately, as you have noted, we are experiencing political challenges. My Government is committed to promoting the participation of all stakeholders in the development of the country because we are convinced that through dialogue and...the rule of law, we can achieve our economic and social goals."

Touching on relations with neighbouring Suriname, President Jagdeo said that development will continue to be difficult and marred by the territorial dispute and stated that his Government has taken the initiative to improve relations between the two countries.

GINA said he referred to his visit to Suriname in January this year and noted that this was indicative of his Government's commitment to resolving the border issue.

"I hope before too long, with trust and goodwill on both sides, we will be able to resolve our differences and enhance our cooperation with one another for our mutual benefits."

At the multilateral level, President Jagdeo told Ambassador Trefsers that he looks forward to working along with the Netherlands within the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) and European Union (EU) partnership and the upcoming summit.

He said this meeting was important since it will serve to enhance the relations with Europe.

Ambassador Trefsers commended the Government for its strong commitment in the Poverty Reduction Strategy process.

In this context, he said, the Netherlands has actively worked together with Guyana and several international financial institutions and organisations to further the case of development for this country. The international agencies include the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Organisation of American States.

Referring to the border issue between Suriname and Guyana, he said the effort by President Jagdeo and Suriname President Ronald Venetiaan strengthens the belief that progress will be made by the two countries, GINA reported.