A section of those attending the reception on Monday night
The diplomat became Head of the EU Delegation here in 2019 and now with the two sides celebrating 50 years of friendship, he has welcomed the expansion of relations into the full branch of cooperation and not just development cooperation.
The EU and Guyana now collaborate in every area “from political cooperation to trade to development cooperation to investment and of course culture,” the Ambassador added.
The EU Delegation was granted full diplomatic status in Guyana last year but the Ambassador said the two sides have achieved a lot together, particularly in relation to development, cooperation in sea defence and improving civil society.
“You can count on us to continue.
“We have the best ever relations between the EU and Guyana today, they were always good but now they are even better.
“We will keep working to uphold democracy, governance, the rule of law and help Guyana where it asks,” he said.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat JagdeoThe reception was attended by several Cabinet Members led by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, members of the Opposition including Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and members of civil society.
Speaking on behalf of President Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Dr. Jagdeo said he welcomes the celebration that reminds him of its purpose which is peace and unity and the defeat of fascism.
He thanked the EU for the role it played to ensure freedom and democracy here and said the Ambassador was personally involved in ensuring democracy was not subverted during the 2020 elections.
“You need to know how integrally involved Fernando and many of the ambassadors were in the process here to ensure that our democratic values were maintained.”
“This is important to us because Fernando will be leaving soon,” Jagdeo said.
