Georgetown, Guyana – (October 7, 2015) President David Granger says his administration will be looking forward to working with the Representative of Indonesia to ensure that global solutions are found for the problems of developing nations, including problems that affect the security and survival of small states. The Head of State expressed this sentiment, earlier today, as he accepted Letters of Credence, from the newly appointed non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Guyana, His Excellency, Dominicus Supratikto.
 “Despite the distance that separates our two Republics, we continue to share common interests, goals and aspirations. These include the reduction of poverty, opposition to all forms of terrorism and combating climate change,” President Granger stated.
With the upcoming 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework’s Convention on Climate Change, President Granger said he anticipates that progress will be made towards achieving a globally-binding agreement. “We do believe that with your accreditation, the channels of communication between our two countries will be enhanced, thereby enhancing cooperation on matters of mutual interest,” President Granger said to the Ambassador.
President Granger, in congratulating the Ambassador on his new post, asked him to convey to his President, His Excellency Joko Widodo, sincere appreciation for his warm greetings and kind sentiments he has offered. “We offer you my best wishes for a productive and successful tour of duty. Please be assured of my Government’s full cooperation in the discharge of your responsibilities,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador said it is his hope, that the relationship and cooperation between the two countries, will be increased based on mutual respect and friendly relations. “I strongly believe that the bilateral relations between our two countries will be continuously developed for the benefit and betterment of our peoples,” the Ambassador said.
The Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Indonesia established diplomatic relations on August 27, 1999. However, the two countries had been involved in engagements, prior to that, within the Non-Aligned Movement, which Guyana joined in 1970.
Indonesia hosted the historic Bandung Conference of 1955 and played a foundational role in the establishment of the Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non- Aligned Movement in Belgrade in 1961, of which Guyana is also a part of.
The Republic of Indonesia has since assumed an active role in regional and international organisations. It remains an influential voice within the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Group of 77 countries + China and the United Nations.