[www.inewsguyana.com] – Guyana has opened a High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. It is the first time the country has full diplomatic presence on the African continent since the closure of the diplomatic office in Zambia in 1991.
The Pretoria High Commission is currently headed by Ambassador Barbara
Haley as Assistant High Commissioner until President Donald Ramotar appoints a High Commissioner.
Explaining the move, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn-Rodrigues Birkette during a press conference on Monday, February 3 said that Africa is the fastest growing continent and South Africa has the largest economy on the continent. She said Guyana can benefit from South Africa’s expertise in various sectors, including mining.
“The opening of this mission is a symbol of Guyana’s commitment to furthering our relations and developing our relations with the government and people of South Africa, but also with the wider African continent,” Rodrigues-Birkette announced.
Meanwhile, Guyana has also approved the appointment of new Honorary Consuls in Palestine, Winnipeg (Canada), San Felipe (Venezuela), Mumbai (India), Turkey, and California, USA. The government is awaiting approval from Bahamas for the replacement of the Honorary Consul there.
The Honorary Consul in Barbados, Michael Brotherson has been accredited to St Marten.
