Georgetown : Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Nikolay D. Smirnov paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo. The two officials reaffirmed the 45 – year relationship between the two countries, a commitment which was made clear during the courtesy call.
Ambassador and the Prime Minister spoke about several issues which included scholarships to Russia, bauxite, hydro power, foreign policy between the two countries and BRICS which is a link between the countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, towards financing for the region. PM Nagamootoo welcomed the commitment of the Russians via the Ambassador.
He reminded all of the friendship between the two countries, and their personal friendship. He noted that the relationship would continue and that the money laundering issues would not prevent it from failing.
Meanwhile Ambassador Smirnov observed that being Vice President is a challenging job and noted that although Guyana and Russia are far from each other, he pointed out that Guyanese students have attended the Lumumba University for some time. He noted that this was so because of issues which prevailed with the University of Guyana (UG) in the past.
Ambassador Smirnov also pointed out that Russia and UG had signed a student exchange agreement for students to study subjects like agriculture, climate change and engineering. He also noted that bilateral trade between the countries would continue.
During his comments on bauxite, the Ambassador also stated that the new mine at Kurubuka in Region 10 is an essential link between the two countries. The Russian Ambassador also spoke about hydropower and BRICS which he noted would augur well for the relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Smirnov has been in the diplomatic service since 1972 and has occupied different postings during his tenure. He is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Georgetown, a position gained in May 2014.
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