By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 17, 2024 — The United States and Guyana held a virtual Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday, July 16, “to discuss issues of mutual interest, including climate resilience, food security, and energy transition.”
In a press statement on the U.S. State Department website, the Office of the Spokesperson said, “Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs Daniel P. Erikson, State Department Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, and Special Advisor to the Vice President for the Western Hemisphere Scott Winton led the U.S. interagency delegation, which was composed of representatives from the Department of State, USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.”
Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud led the Guyanese delegation, which included a wide range of Guyanese ministries and the Guyana Defense Force.
“During this first-ever Guyana-United States Strategic Dialogue, the two sides discussed ideas for advancing the bilateral economic agenda, underscored the need for good governance and institutional strengthening, and pledged continued defense and security cooperation,” the press statement said. “Both delegations recognized the prospect of an active 2024 hurricane season in the Caribbean and expressed support for those already affected by Hurricane Beryl. They also reiterated their commitment to the success of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.”
Meanwhile, The Guyana Chronicle today reported that building “on the already established shared values and partnerships, officials from the United States of America and Guyana on Tuesday convened a strategic dialogue to advance bilateral ties and mutual development”
In an article written by staff reporter Naomi Parris, under the headline GUYANA, US EAGER TO EXPLORE NEW INNOVATIONS, STRENGTHEN TIES, The Chronicle reported that Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, while engaging US officials, highlighted the shared values and goals between the two countries, including democracy, security, and sustainable development.
“This dialogue seeks to build on the friendship and the partnership that exist between our two countries under the bilateral, regional and international cooperation frameworks,” Persaud said.
The foreign secretary further stressed the importance of collaboration in various areas, such as energy, climate change, food security, and economic cooperation.
“United States has long been a valued ally. Our shared commitment to democracy, security and sustainable development forms the foundation of strong bilateral relations,” Persuad added.
Persaud noted that there has been “heightened interaction” between Guyana and the United States at all levels, referencing the visits of Secretaries of State, members of Congress, and other senior US government functionaries as recent as last week here in Guyana.
“While this dialogue provides an opportunity to take stock of ongoing initiatives in these areas, we are eager to explore ways in which we can better consolidate our collaboration, coordination and cooperation in the future,” the foreign secretary said.
Persaud sugested that continued deliberations could pave the way for innovative solutions, and “strengthen ties between our two governments.”
“Recognising the interconnectedness of our world today, it behooves us to all approach this dialogue with a spirit of openness, understanding and mutual respect, determined to fully explore the partnership between our governments as well as working towards the betterment for our people,” he said. “
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