A HIGH level delegation from the United States Embassy, on Tuesday, paid a courtesy call on Hon. Robert Persaud, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment to discuss investment in the natural resources sector and potential areas for future collaboration.

Minister Robert Persaud in discussion with Mr. Thomas Pierce, US Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission in the presence of other officials.

Among the areas discussed were the potentials of an oil refinery in Berbice, soil waste and environmental management and the participation of Guyana and the United States at the much anticipated Rio+20, United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20-22, 2012.

Minister Persaud highlighted that Guyana’s position will be open and is looking forward to participating with other countries and agencies to promote sustainable development and the benefits of a green economy. He noted that opportunity will be utilized to showcase Guyana’s ecological service and biodiversity to the global economy.

Further, Mr. Thomas Pierce, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy expressed his government’s commitment to continue working with the Government of Guyana to support its initiatives to build capacity in the natural resources and environmental sectors.

Also present were Mr. Eric Moore, Economic Officer, US Embassy; Mr. Indran J. Amrithanayagam, First Secretary/Director South America Environment, Science, Technology and Health Office, American Embassy; Mr. Shyam Nokta, Advisor to the President, Office of the President; Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, Executive Director, Environmental Protection Agency; Ms. Karen Livan, Commissioner, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Ms. Clydecia Sptizer, Multilateral Environmental Agreement Specialist, MNRE and Mr. Damian Fernandes, Natural Resources Specialist, MNRE.