Foreign Minister meets with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd, today met virtually with Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the United States of America, Julie Chung. Among areas of mutual interes t, they discussed the enhancement of bilateral relations through economic and security cooperation, regional stability, and democracy.

Minister Todd conveyed his gratitude for the continued support Guyana receives from the United States on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. He reiterated the Guyana’s commitment to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process and expressed his confidence in the 1899 Arbitral Award being upheld. He further informed of the recent actions of Venezuela, including the incursion into Guyana’s airspace, and emphatically stated that such actions are not consistent with international law and convention.

Moreover, the Minister said that Guyana continues to work closely with United Nations agencies and international partners to promote regional stability.  He alluded to Government’s recent efforts to resuscitate the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee for Addressing the Influx of Venezuelan Migrants into Guyana, to better meet the needs of Venezuelan migrants and returning Guyanese citizens.

Acting Assistant Secretary Julie Chung conveyed her optimism for relations between Guyana and the U.S. and stated that the Biden Administration is focused on democracy, values, human rights, and climate change, commonalities which it shares with Guyana.

The Foreign Minister and Acting Assistant Secretary noted that agreements inked during the high -level visit from former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and the recent visit of U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig Faller and along with continued engagements with U.S. Ambassador, Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch demonstrates the shared values of the two countries.

Also discussed were the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region and views on innovative and collaborative methods to stimulate recovery through private -sector investment and the strengthening of institutions.