– First Lady hails milestone achievement of VP-elect

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali extended his congratulations to United States President-elect, Joe Biden, highlighting that Guyana is upbeat about consolidating and strengthening bilateral ties with the country.

In a press statement, President Ali said, “On behalf of the Government and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I extend to you our warmest congratulations on your election as the 46th President of the United States of America.”

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American Democrat politician and President-elect of the United States. He is set to be inaugurated as the 46th President of the 244-year-old country, after two previous unsuccessful bids for the office. He will be joined by Vice President-elect, Kamala Devi Harris, who made history as America’s first female, first black, and first South Asian vice president-elect. She too has a long and distinguished career as a politician.

Guyana and the USA established formal diplomatic ties on August 15, 1966. The long relationship between the two countries has yielded bilateral cooperation in several areas, including economic development, education, entrepreneurship, justice-improvement, and defence and security cooperation.

The 2020 electoral process of both countries took place while the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 has affected countries worldwide. And since, the world has been plunged into a global pandemic. Mitigating the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic is seen as a priority for many countries.

“I look forward to working closely with you to confront critical strategic matters of interest to the international community including the COVID-19 pandemic,” President Ali emphasised.

“Further, Guyana looks forward to consolidating and strengthening our bilateral ties with the United States of America in the ensuing years.”

The President-elect, in his victory speech in Delaware, on Saturday night, said that he would announce a COVID-19 task force on Monday. He indicated that controlling the pandemic was his first priority. Beyond that, he indicated that national unity will be a priority of his.

“As you prepare to assume the presidency, please accept my best wishes for a successful term in office and for your continued good health and well-being,” President Ali said.

First Lady, Arya Ali, also extended her warmest congratulations to the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States. The First Lady gave special kudos to the Vice President-elect and acknowledged that her achievement, particularly as a daughter of the Caribbean region, is all the more impactful.

She said, “VP Harris represents a generation of women who are not just offering hope and inspiration to girls and women around the world, but are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.”