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President Irfaan Ali is confident that the United States of America and Guyana will continue to be a steadfast partner in this nation’s effort to consolidate democracy, strengthen institutions and pursue a path of unprecedented economic growth and development.
This he said was signaled by the historic visit of Secretary of State Michael Pompeo,. Ali said too that the visit will also send a powerful signal that Guyana is regarded as a responsible member of the hemispheric and international communities.
Ali made these statements at a Friday morning Press Conference. In welcoming the Secretary of State, he said that his Government is appreciative of the visit, more so that Guyana is firmly rooted in democratic principles, the rule of law, respect for human rights and the pursuit of sustainable and equitable development.
In this regard, Ali expressed appreciation to Pompeo and the United States for its role in ensuring his Government was sworn in after what he claims was a political and electoral crisis in Guyana. “Secretary Pompeo’s visit, moreover, solidifies the bilateral relationship between Guyana and the U.S and sets the stage for expanding and depending U.S cooperation with Guyana.”
The two sides also signed several framework agreements to strengthen Energy and Infrastructure, Finance and Market building cooperation, in the context of the growth in the Americas Initiative. The agreements Ali said intend to drive Guyana’s economic growth through investment opportunities. As was announced by the Secretary of State, President Ali confirmed that the visit also serves to deepen cooperation in the security sector, with specific attention to maritime security and joint patrols, to interdict narcotics trafficking. “This will also allow us to improve our technical and human capabilities in monitoring Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This augurs well for stronger collaboration and broader technical assistance to help combat both domestic and transnational organized criminal networks.” In addition to strengthening Guyana’s economic stability and security, President Ali said he took the opportunity to discuss with the Secretary of State our country’s challenge in combatting the COVID 19 pandemic and lifting the economy out of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. He expressed confidence that assistance will be garnered in this regard as well as support for our traditional, emerging, and attractive sectors.
President Ali also represented the fishing community and raised the issue of the current restriction on wild caught catfish, which significantly affected the sustenance of fisher folk. Ali assured Pompeo and all of Guyana that the visit ushers in a new chapter in the two country’s bilateral relations, the U.S support for respect of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as its unwavering support in a consolidated, democratic and prosperous Guyana.
