Georgetown: Recently appointed Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr Venkatachalam Mahalingam plans to strengthen political, economic and social ties with Guyana after meeting with President Donald Ramotar to present his Letters of Credence.
President Ramotar, receiving the High Commissioner at Office of the President, noted that the relationship between the two nations has grown since formal ties were established in 1966, “based on the promotion of economic interests and the strengthening of cultural ties”.
“We are also cooperating on issues such as a reformed United Nations and sustainable development goals,” the President said.
Guyana has also benefited, and is continuing to benefit from India’s human resource development assistance, offered through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, President Ramotar said.
With government intensifying its efforts to improve the science and technology curriculum, he noted that India’s assistance, given its expertise in these fields, would be welcomed.
Explaining that Guyana is ready for foreign investments, the President encouraged Indian businesses to invest locally, noting that “a number of Indian businesses are already flourishing and will add to the growing potential for increased opportunities and advantages for joint ventures in the private sector.”
On the international arena, President Ramotar said he was looking forward to the upcoming BRICS/UNASR meeting in Brazil, where important views on a range of topics can be exchanged.
The Indian High Commissioner noted that although separated by a large distance, both nations have commonalities in a colonial past, predominantly agricultural, rural-based, multi-cultural societies, and also hold common views on important issues.
Stating that further strengthening of the relationship has occurred, due to previous visits by President Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, the High Commissioner said there is potential for India and Guyana to work together in many fields. These include agricultural development, renewable energy, education, forestry, health infrastructure and pharmaceuticals. The High Commissioner declared his intention to take the current relationship, particularly in the aforementioned fields, to a higher level.
“It is imperative in this regard that more frequent high level visits need to take place between our two countries for providing political leaning and support.”
With both nations being Commonwealth members and sharing convergent views on many issues, High Commissioner Mahalingam said that both can play a constructive role in the international fora, adding that India was counting on Guyana’s support on efforts to restructure the United Nations, including the Security Council.
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