Venezuela’s President, Nicolas Maduros, has conveyed his ‘great respect’ to the President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and the Guyanese people, according to a release from Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maduro formally accredited Dr. Richard Van West-Charles as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guyana to Venezuela during a ceremony at Miraflores Presidential Palace on Feb. 20 in Caracas.
The presentation of credentials signifies the commitment of Guyana and Venezuela to uphold diplomatic norms and pursue avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation, the Ministry’s update said.
Ambassador Van West-Charles was accompanied by his spouse, Vivienne Roxane Van West-Charles; Robin Motayne, Counsellor; and Ganga Persaud, Political Attache of the Embassy of Guyana.
Earlier this month, Ambassador Van West-Charles presented his letters of credence to Venezuela’s Minister for People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Yvan Gil.
The countries have been working to improve relations since the signing of the Argyle Declaration in December. While the two countries have conflicting positions on resolving the border controversy over the Essequibo region, they hope to build common ground through talks.
However, there have been concerns even early this year, as Venezuela’s military has gathered near the border. Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, has said Venezuela’s military posture does not conform with its diplomatic stance. The United States, which is closely monitoring the situation, said there is no indication there will be hostilities.
