President David Granger on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Surinamese Ambassador, Mehroen Nisa Kurban-Baboe for her service and work in advancing and strengthening the bilateral ties between Guyana and Suriname during a farewell courtesy call at State House.
According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the President said that during Ambassador Kurban-Baboe’s time in Guyana, the two countries have been able to resuscitate the Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council with the aim of further strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring states, the promotion of investment opportunities and the exchange of culture.
However, President Granger noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still much more to be done.
“It has been a successful tour. I am happy with your tenure. The important thing is that we have been able to preserve cordial relations. I am happy for the level of cooperation that exists and there is still more to be done. We need to strengthen the positive aspects of our relationship and we need to explore our strength in other areas,” the President was quoted as saying in a release.
The release further noted that Ambassador Kurban-Baboe echoed similar sentiments, noting that while she has begun the work, there is much more to be done to increase cross-sectoral cooperation between the two countries. She said that Suriname places great value on its bilateral ties with Guyana and will keep the channels open for cooperation and dialogue.
“It is important for us to have a good relationship with Guyana. We have a lot in common economically, in culture and tourism and we have to keep the doors open and speak to each other… We are border countries and I think we should move further to strengthen the relationship. Guyana is beautiful country. The people are beautiful and I must say that I have a very positive impression of Guyana and I know that with my country, we can do a lot,” she was quoted as saying.
Ambassador Kurban-Baboe also paid a farewell courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge.
During that engagaement, Ambassador Kurban-Baboe expressed her desire to see relations between Guyana and Suriname continue to flourish beyond her tenure. She also highlighted the efforts of the Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council, which reconvened earlier this year.
“The relationship has been fruitful and we are looking forward to another meeting of the Cooperation Council,” Ambassador Kurban-Baboe said.
Formal diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname were established on November 25, 1975.
Ambassador Kurban-Baboe was accredited as Ambassador to Guyana in 2013. The Government of Suriname has not yet identified her successor.
