Georgetown, Guyana – (March 27, 2019) President David Granger, this morning, lauded the close bilateral relations between Guyana and the Republic of Botswana when he accepted the Letters of Credence accrediting Her Excellency Tebogo Teko Lily Motshome as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

President Granger reminded that the two countries have worked closely with each other within the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations and reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to deepening engagements and cooperation with Botswana within these organisations.

He noted too that Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a ‘green’ state adding that emphasis will be placed on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

“These objectives are aligned with those articulated in Botswana’s Vision 2036 which aims at the “sustainable utilization of natural resources, water security, energy security, sustainable land use and management, sustainable human settlements, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction…” Our shared commitment to sustainable development can form the basis of mutually beneficial exchanges of experiences,” President Granger said.

Moreover, the Head of State said, the countries’ relationship is founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.

“We look forward to the revitalization of bilateral cooperation, between our states, during your tenure, particularly in the areas of agriculture, air transportation, green development, mining, public health, trade and tourism,” the President said.

Similarly, High Commissioner Motshome described Botswana’s bilateral relations with Guyana as “excellent”. She called for a stronger partnership with Guyana while noting that given the existing global challenges, it is important that states work collectively for the benefit of all.

Guyana and Botswana have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, 44 years ago, on October 28, 1975. In 1975, then President Sir Seretse Khama visited Guyana.

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