Todd informs US official about Venezuela provocation

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd on Thursday last met virtually with Acting Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the United States of America, Julie Chung during which he discussed the recent flyover of fighter jets in Guyana’s territory by the Venezuelan military.

According to a release from Todd’s office the two officials also discussed regional stability, democracy, and the enhancement of bilateral relations through economic and security cooperation.

Minister Todd conveyed his gratitude for the continued support Guyana receives from the United States on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. The minister further informed of the recent actions of Venezuela, including the incursion into Guyana’s airspace, which resulted in the issuance of a protest note.

Acting Assistant Secretary Julie Chung conveyed her optimism for relations between Guyana and the U.S. Ms. Chung stated that the Biden Administration is focused on democracy, values, human rights, and climate change, commonalities which the U.S. shares with Guyana.

The Foreign Minister and Acting Assistant Secretary noted that agreements signed during the high-level visit of former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and the recent visit of U.S. Southern Command Admiral Craig Faller have helped to advance economic and security cooperation between Guyana and the U.S. These, along with continued engagements with U.S. Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, further demonstrate the shared values of the two countries.

Additionally, they discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region and exchanged views on innovative and collaborative methods to stimulate recovery through private-sector investment and the strengthening of institutions. They mentioned the ongoing migrant situation and Guyana’s humanitarian response through the recent resuscitation of the Multi-agency Coordinating Committee for Addressing the Influx of Venezuelan Migrants and ongoing collaboration with international partners.
Guyana and the U.S. established diplomatic relations on August 15, 1966, and continue to maintain strong bilateral relations.