Chile to open embassy in Guyana

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 October 2014, 2:06 by GxMedia

Chile has decided to open an embassy in Guyana but no time-frame was announced by that South American nation’s Ambassador, Fernando Schmidt on Wednesday.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the Guyanese leader welcomed Chile’s plans to do so.

Chile and Guyana established diplomatic relations in 1971.

The announcement was made by the envoy of that Spanish-speaking country when he presented his credentials to the Guyanese leader.

Schmidt, who is based in Trinidad, is also his country’s Ambassador to St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados.

The Ambassador described his country’s decision to open its first embassy in Guyana as a turning point in relations between the two countries that are also members of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

Consistent with his country’s pro-active approach to enhancing its ties throughout the region, he cited an “Open skies” agreement and a memorandum of understanding in mining as two of several areas being worked on.

The President said that both countries recognise the value of “South South” cooperation was noted by the president. “Our two countries are also as one with respect to the firm adherence to the value of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the sanctity of treaties”.

Given the shared positions and interest of the two countries, President Ramotar added that together much more can be done towards achieving an “enduring dynamic partnership”.

 He also made mention of the forum that was organised by the Chilean Cooperation Agency, saying that it was intended to promote South-South ties.

About 400 Chilean Spanish teachers are scattered across the Caribbean, helping to improve teaching techniques.

Chile and the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDEMA) have been also cooperating in the area of disaster preparedness.