A delegation from the United States Congress has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Guyana following discussions with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The delegation, led by US Representative Gregory Meeks, included Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson.
According to President Ali, the meeting addressed several issues of importance to Guyana-US relations, including Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of an anticipated ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The leaders also discussed Guyana’s efforts to broaden its economy beyond the oil and gas sector and examined developments surrounding the Global Biodiversity Alliance.
Ali said the US lawmakers expressed their intention to further strengthen engagement with Guyana through the House Foreign Affairs Committee and other relevant congressional committees and caucuses.
The Congressional Black Caucus was also identified as an avenue for expanded engagement between the two countries.
The discussions form part of Guyana’s ongoing diplomatic engagements in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly, as the country continues to deepen relations with the United States across economic, security, environmental and diplomatic areas.
President Ali was accompanied at the meeting by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud.
The meeting comes as Guyana continues to position economic diversification, environmental sustainability and the protection of its territorial integrity as key areas of its international engagement.