-US official says, lauds country for leadership on food security and climate change

GUYANA has been lauded for its leadership role on critical issues facing the Caribbean and Latin American region.

“Guyana continues to lead on critical issues in the Americas such as energy, food security, climate solutions, and restoring stability to Haiti…” – Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A Nichols is quoted as saying by the United States of America Embassy in Guyana, following a strategic dialogue between the two nations recently.

The United States and Guyana held a virtual Strategic Dialogue on July 16 to discuss issues of mutual interest, including climate resilience, food security, and energy transition. 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 US 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. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud led the Guyanese delegation, which included a wide range of local ministries and the Guyana Defence Force.

According to a brief statement from the US, 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 defence and security cooperation. Both delegations recognised 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.