President urges Mexico to help keep Region stable – as country marks 205th Independence Anniversary
PRESIDENT David Granger has called on Mexico to use its considerable geo-political influence to help address the many challenges facing the Caribbean, particularly where the threat of force and/or security is concerned. “Mexico’s geo-political role will be fundamental to addressing the many challenges faced by the Caribbean Region, especially in the area of food security, climate change and trans-national organised crime,” he said here Tuesday night.
“We wish, therefore, to urge Mexico to use its influence in the hemisphere and on the international stage to reject the use of, or threat of the use of, force between States, to promote development, and to preserve the Caribbean as a zone of peace,” he told guests at a reception at the Georgetown Marriott to mark Mexico’s 205th Independence Anniversary.
As to how he perceives relations between Guyana and Mexico in the 43 years since they have cemented ties, President Granger said that the disparity in wealth and size aside, the two have many things in common such as a strong adherence to the values of democracy, liberty, respect for human rights, sustainable development, the rule of law, and peaceful solutions to international controversies.
Mexico’s technical assistance, for instance, especially in the field of training and education, he said, complements Guyana’s national efforts to create a more competent workforce, which is sorely needed to provide vital services to support Guyana’s development.
“The groundwork for the intensification of bilateral activity between our countries has been well laid,” he told his host, Ambassador Ivan Robero Sierra Medel.
“We hope to work closely with your embassy here in Georgetown to bring these projects to fruition,” he said. “We hope also to deepen the dialogue between our two countries, and to explore and exploit the considerable potential which exists for increasing investment opportunities between Guyana and Mexico.”
In response, Ambassador Medel said there is scope for a more dynamic engagement with the greater Caribbean, and that Mexico has every intention of working closely with Guyana on broadening the political dialogue, improving economic exchanges, and making strides in international development cooperation.
“Mexico salutes the vibrant democracy in Guyana, and wants to join efforts with the government of His Excellency, President David Granger to build stronger ties,” Ambassador Medel said.
Over the years, Mexico has provided significant assistance to Guyana in the area of capacity- building. Its next project will be the digitisation of the National Archives, which is set to commence shortly.
Additionally, Mexico will be sending experts to provide training to secondary school teachers in CARICOM countries. There has also been collaboration between the countries in areas such as agriculture and health.
Guyana and Mexico established bilateral relations in March, 1973. This was further strengthened with the establishment of the Mexican Embassy in 2009. (Ministry of the Presidency)
