GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — President David Granger Wednesday called for the enhancement of relations between Guyana and Bangladesh, noting that the two countries have shared “cordial” relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1972.

“We share many common positions on international affairs. We share a common commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth,” Granger said as he accepted the Letters of Credence from Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mohammad Ziauddin

Granger said given that the two countries are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, this is an area in which they should pursue cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

He said as such Guyana looks forward to learning more about the steps that Bangladesh is taking to combat the threats posed by climate change.

“Guyana and Bangladesh, together, can continue to agitate for increased and more rapid climate financing for small-island developing and low-lying coastal States,” he said.

Ziauddin said that Bangladesh believes that in today’s globalised world, relations should be strengthened with “friends on distant shores”, adding that his country now sees it important to reach out to countries in Central and South America to build the bridges of friendship.

“It is now time to explore the untapped potentials of our two countries for further development of our peoples. My primary objective would be to strengthen cooperation and the overall relationship between our two countries.

“I shall remain committed to taking the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to a new height. I will do my best to bring our two countries closer… I know that with your blessings that our venture will be successful,” he said.