Respect for borders emphasised at Chile’s Nat’l Day Celebration

Sep 21, 2015 News

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The principles of peaceful co-existence among states, good neighbourliness and the inviolability of borders were among concepts that took center stage last Friday as Guyana and members of the Diplomatic Corps joined the Republic of Chile in commemorating that country’s 250th Independence.
President David Granger and Chile’s first Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rojas, both told a packed gathering at the Cara Lodge Hall, Quamina Street, Georgetown of the importance the countries attach to the principles of equality among sovereign states with it being seen an essential basis for respect and peaceful co-existence.
Diplomats from India, United States of America, United Kingdom, as well as representatives from the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) were among those who heard both men belabour the importance of respecting international treaties and international law since those lay the foundation through which South America can remain a zone of peace.
Rojas started off his address with a moment of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in an earthquake last Wednesday in Chile. The Chilean government has since declared a state of emergency in Coquimbo, the Central Region where the earthquake of 8.3 magnitude hit, according to international media reports.
“From the historical perspective, our independence was part of a very large process of seeking freedom, and self-determination by our nation of South America. It was a native endeavour that was fought on the basics of sheer realism, liberty and freedom and conducted by the leadership of our founding fathers,” said the foreign diplomat.
He said that Chile is proud of its independence and glad that the journey was one shared by the other South American nations. “It was a common endeavour; it was not a single endeavour taken by Chile. It was many of us fighting for freedom and self-determination, so that’s why we celebrate 205 years of independence with many of our nations during this period of time.”
The Ambassador added, “We attach great importance to the principles of equality among sovereign states as an essential basis for respect and peaceful coexistence. Therefore, at the international level we already adhere to the respect of treaties and international law.”

He reiterated Chile’s commitment to cooperation at the multilateral, regional and bilateral forums in order to contribute to the progress of all administrations in these parts.
He pointed out the need for the countries to advance towards a more integrated region. For him, important policy priority should be given towards this, as this is a region of diversified countries, underscored by many shared values.
The relationship between Guyana and Chile, the Ambassador said, started in 1971. It was on August 18, 2015, however, that Rojas’s Letters of Credence were presented to Granger.
“We want to be partners with Guyana in helping move forward and strengthening the link of Guyana with the South American nations,” said Rojas.
The Chilean Ambassador also spoke of efforts his country has been making as it gears towards the 21st Conference on Climate Change in Paris later this year. He spoke of promoting an agenda that would be in the interest of the Region, considering what was suffered in these parts.
“To have one voice for the Region and to respond to the challenges that globalization imposes on us is the right thing to do,” intimated the Chilean diplomat.
He told the Guyanese Head of State that there are opportunities ahead for mutual cooperation, promoting understanding, strengthening bonds as well as working together in the Region and continent.
“Let’s be creative, let’s bring these aims into reality,” charged Rojas. He said that it is within the two Presidents’ efforts in promoting democratic, inclusive societies for the peoples of Guyana and Chile.
President Granger said that it is with honour that Guyana joined in Chile’s celebrations. “September18 marked the start of the war of independence, the war with a popular struggle that transformed an Imperial Captaincy General into an independent Republic,” he remarked.
The years of independence, he said, “have changed a poor backward colony into a prosperous nation state of proud citizens. The Republic of Chile today is considered to be one of the most developed countries on the continent of South America. Its efforts at reducing poverty through the implementation of innovative social policies are widely admired.”
The progress that Chile has made since it gained independence is undeniably a result of the struggle, sacrifice and success of its people, according to Granger.
“Guyana and Chile are both committed to the principles of peaceful co-existence among states, good neighbourliness, the inviolability of borders, the sanctity of treaties and respect for international law. South America can remain a zone of peace only if those principles are observed scrupulously,” remarked the Guyanese Head of State.
The President applauded Chile’s affirmation, as delivered by its first Ambassador to Guyana, that “international borders must be respected and that where disputes arise they should be settled through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.”
“Guyana, as a small state in the Caribbean, has consistently sought Regional responses to both domestic and international challenges,” he said, adding that the country is committed to its membership of its continental family.
Guyana is committed to the goal of Regional and Hemispheric Cooperation, eradicating the scourges of crime, disease, ignorance and poverty that assail the peoples, Granger said. For him, the countries share common values.
According to the President, Guyana’s membership of regional integration mechanisms, in particularly the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Union of South American States (UNASUR), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Common Market of the South and the Community of Latin American Caribbean States signals its seriousness in promoting regional integration and in seeking to create a better understanding among the peoples.
Granger noted Chile’s role in promoting increased South-South cooperation, especially with the wider Caribbean region through the CARICOM-Chile Joint Commission.
“Our two countries share core values and ideals especially with regard to the alleviation of poverty, the promotion of peace, respect for territorial integrity of states and the sanctity of international treaties,” said Granger.
According to Granger, these common values laid the groundwork for strong relations and closer ties between the two. He said the country is pleased with Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in the capital city, a decision which he envisions will deepen their cordial relations.
For Granger, Chile’s presence in Guyana will assist in paving the way for further expansion of their cooperated programme and the development of commercial and investment opportunities between the two.
President Granger remarked that Guyana is pained by the loss of life and the destruction caused by Wednesday’s earthquake in Chile. He extended sympathy to those affected.
“Guyana stands by your side,” said Granger as he added that the country stands in solidarity with Chile both in times of celebration and commiseration. (Sunita Samaroo)

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