The Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomes His Excellency Diego Pary Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas during a Courtesy Call at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, February 8. He also called on various officials of Government and the Diplomatic Corps. (BIS Photo/Kris Ingraham)

Nassau, The Bahamas - The Bahamas has reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate in the campaign to protect Planet Earth, a ‘People’s Accord’ agreed to during the World Conference on Climate Change held in Bolivia in April 2010.

His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General , made the statement during the Presentation of Credentials by His Excellency Diego Pary Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas at Government House on Thursday, February 9. He also called on various officials of Government and the Diplomatic Corps.

“Of particular note is your government’s stalwart campaign to create a generation of global citizens cognisant of their impact upon and responsibility for the environment, “Sir Arthur said.

Bolivia is located in central South America; bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and Peru to the west. Though rich in mineral and energy resources, Bolivia with its 10 million multi-ethnic population is regarded as South America’s poorest country.

“ I note with great interest the cultural diversity of your country with the unprecedented recognition of more than 36 indigenous peoples in the Constitution of Bolivia along with those of European heritage, all living harmoniously and serving as an example of the power of amicable cooperation to which all states aspire,” said Sir Arthur.

He also noted that The Bahamas and Bolivia share a common heritage of colonisation with all its negative consequences, but have been able to overcome these challenges and today pursue a collective prosperity for all citizens of the world.

As The Bahamas, Bolivia also places significance on respect for the rule of law, the sovereignty and equality of states, the right of a people to self-determination, respect for human rights and the furtherance of international cooperation.

Bolivia’s educational system is regarded by international bodies as exemplary, evidenced by the numerous types of universities both public and private, the first of which was established in 1624. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Bolivia was in 2008 declared free of illiteracy.

“Of particular note is your Government’s stalwart campaign to create a generation of global citizens cognisant of their impact upon, and responsibility for the environment,” Sir Arthur told Ambassador Rodriguez.

As a small island state, he said The Bahamas also understands the critical nature of its relationship with Planet Earth and the potentially catastrophic impact of global warming and the consequent rise of sea levels.

“Bolivia can be assured of the cooperation of The Bahamas in the campaign to protect our planet,” Sir Arthur said.

Ambassador Rodriquez is also Ambassador of Bolivia to the Organisation of American States located in Washington. Bolivia is scheduled to host the Forty Second Regular Session of the OAS in June. He is Vice Minister of Higher Education of Professional Formation, Bolivia; and is Coordinator of the Intercultural Indigenous University of Latin America and the Caribbean (International Indigenous Fund). Ambassador Rodriquez has a Master’s degree in higher education, and earned a diploma as an expert in Indigenous People, Human Rights, Governance and International Cooperation.