Georgetown, Guyana – (July 17, 2019) President David Granger, this morning, accepted the Letters of Credence from His Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama, accrediting him as the new non-resident Ambassador of Japan to Guyana.

President Granger said that since Guyana and Japan established diplomatic relations on June 11, 1967, the two countries have maintained good relations on the bases of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security.

He noted that Guyana is in transition to become a ‘green’ state, which will see increased emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy generation and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation and the country, therefore, looks forward to collaborating with Japan in this area.

“The generation of renewable energy, consequently, is among our top priorities as we move towards achieving our goal of becoming a ‘green’ state. As you pointed out, Guyana and Japan signed in June 2018, a Grant Agreement for The Introduction of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Power System. This Project is consistent with our country’s Green State Development Strategy. Guyana welcomes continued collaboration in agriculture, capacity building, infrastructural development, renewable energy and the continued global effort to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change to which our states are vulnerable. Guyana looks forward to enhancing our bilateral and multilateral relations and anticipates the strengthening of our relations through the execution of your duties as Ambassador of Japan to Guyana,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hirayama said that the cooperation which exists between the two countries are a testimony of the positive relations Japan and Guyana have shared for over 50 years.

“As global partners, our countries share common interests, common challenges and fundamental beliefs such as democracy, human rights and international security. I sincerely hope to develop our bilateral relations on the next level with Your Excellency’s support and the people of Guyana. Your guidance will help in the strengthening of ties between our two countries. I resolve to try my best,” he said.

Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams, who is performing the functions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Audrey Jardine Waddell also attended the ceremony.

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