35 years of diplomatic relations and splendid cooperation
--Prime Minister Hinds at Proclamation Day celebrations
Guyana Chronicle
June 13, 2004
GINA - Proclamation Day of the Russian Federation was celebrated on Friday evening by the Russian society at the Russian Embassy in Georgetown.
At the reception, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, Minister of Fisheries Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally; General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Donald Ramotar; Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Robeson Benn and members of the Diplomatic Corps were present.
Russian Ambassador to Guyana Valdmir Stepanovich Starikov said Russia "is always aspiring and will continue to maintain friendly relations with all countries in the world."
He noted with satisfaction the ability to complete the process of establishing diplomatic relations between Caricom member states and the Russian Federation.
Mr Starikov said that the visit by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo to the Russian Federation where he met with President Valdimir Putin was "an important stage in their bilateral relations, which have a long history and a very good future."
According to Starikov, this will also help to advance Russian, Guyanese relations.
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds speaking in the capacity of President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, extended congratulations to the Russian Federation reminiscing on 35 years of "diplomatic relations and splendid cooperation between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said Guyana is appreciative of the support of the Russian people and holds its relation with the Russian Federation in high esteem. This Mr. Hinds said, is ample basis for further growth and development and amicable ties.
Guyana's friendly relations with Russian have resulted in friendly exchanges which led to technical assistance and scholarships in a diverse number of areas, including medicine, engineering, computer science and law.
He added that both counties must continue to devise means of intensifying their relationships and areas of cooperation.
The Prime Minister said they have already been able to agree on areas of shared interest, resulting in the conclusion of agreements on fisheries cooperation, visa abolition and mutual recognition of certificates.
Guyana is also pursuing agreements with RUSAL, the second largest aluminium company in the world. While in Russian last year, President Jagdeo signed a Memorandum of Intent on the same issue.
The Prime Minister proposed a toast to the good health of President Putin and to the continued prosperity of the Russian people.