This was conveyed by President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday afternoon to the new Ambassador of Indonesia Dr. Suparmin Sunjoyo during the accreditation ceremony held in the Credentials Room at the Office of the President.

The President noted that key elements of this programme are the reform of Guyana’s main industries and the diversification of the economy to ensure Guyana’s survival in the increasingly globalised world.

“We are particularly keen to attract foreign investment and I look forward to your assistance in attracting Indonesian entrepreneurs to join us in our development campaign,” he said.

The recently presented National Budget, the President said, is an indication of Guyana’s commitment to economic growth and improvement of the standards of living for all citizens, as it is the largest ever in Guyana’s history. To accomplish this, Government has formulated clear strategies aimed at the reduction of poverty, creation of employment opportunities, the provision of enhanced social services and the encouragement of initiative and creativity among Guyanese.

However, he noted that in so doing, Government has encountered formidable challenges.

“The spectre of crime which now haunts the Caribbean Region has caused much division and disruption. In Guyana, my Government is determined not to allow criminal activities to stagnate our nation’s progress. We will, therefore, continue to expend every effort to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” President Jagdeo assured.

The Guyanese Head of State referred to the consequences of the Iraq/US War as having additional negative influence on Guyana’s economy, although it may not yet be possible to analyse the extent of this shock.

“The scourge of terrorism requires all nations to work together to preserve global peace and stability. In this context I wish to reiterate the support of the Government of Guyana for the pivotal role, which the United Nations must play in maintaining international security. Only through enlightened multilateralism can we achieve a world in which all countries may hope to enjoy peace, equality and social justice,” he said.

In welcoming Dr. Sunjoyo to Guyana to serve his term as Ambassador, the President noted that Guyana and Indonesia have shared amicable relations over the years and pledged his Government’s support to continue this.

“At the bilateral level, we have developed over many years, some economic links. Many of your countrymen have come to Guyana to work side-by-side with Guyanese to further our development process. As multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries, we know only too well the value of unity and cooperation,” President Jagdeo said.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Counselors Zet Mirzal Zainvddin and Agus Mardianto to the accreditation ceremony.

Dr. Sunjoyo, pledged during his tenure to continue working with the Guyanese Government to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and to foster new relations, especially in the area of trade.

He noted that over the years, Indonesia has contributed to Guyana, especially at the BARAMA Company operations and is looking forward to trade avenues in other sectors.

Efforts will also be made, he said, to see other areas of development and prosperity of both the Guyanese and Indonesians.