THE United States and Guyana conducted their inaugural virtual Strategic Dialogue, addressing critical issues of mutual concern, including climate resilience, food security, and energy transition.
The high-level discussions, on July 16, featured U.S. representatives led by 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. The U.S. delegation also included officials from the Department of State, USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Leading the Guyanese delegation was Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, who was joined by representatives from various Guyanese ministries and the Guyana Defence Force.
The dialogue marked the first formal engagement of its kind between the two nations, setting the stage for a collaborative approach to advancing their bilateral economic agenda. Both sides emphasised the importance of good governance and institutional strengthening, while also pledging to maintain robust defence and security co-operation.
Key topics of discussion included preparing for an active 2024 hurricane season in the Caribbean. Both delegations expressed support for those affected by Hurricane Beryl and reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. The meeting underscored the strengthening of ties and co-operation between the U.S. and Guyana, with a focus on addressing shared challenges and opportunities in the region.