Pompeo to also visit Suriname, Brazil; to discuss democracy, COVID-19 & Security

The U.S State Department has released a statement offering details on Secretary of State Michael Pompeo’s visit to the South American region later this week and for which the Government of Guyana is yet to formally announce.

According to the State Department, Pompeo will be visiting two of Guyana’s neighbours – Suriname – before arriving here on Thursday and then onto Brazil when he leaves here.

His trip will also take him to Bogota, Colombia and Plano, Texas and spans the period September 17 – 20, 2020.

“This trip will highlight the United States’ commitment to defend democracy, combat COVID-19 while revitalizing our economies in the pandemic’s wake, and strengthen security against regional threats,” the US statement said.

When he arrives in Guyana, Secretary Pompeo is expected to congratulate newly elected President Irfaan Ali and his cabinet, and meet with CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque, the statement from the US noted.

The US Department of State anticipates that Pompeo will reinforce the promise of a values-based U.S. partnership highlighting opportunities for more responsible and transparent private sector investment to increase prosperity for the people of Guyana, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Paramaribo, Secretary Pompeo is expected to celebrate the triumph of democracy by meeting with recently elected Surinamese President Chan Santokhi and his cabinet to discuss increased bilateral cooperation and opportunities for partnerships in energy and security.

While in Boa Vista, Brazil, he will underscore the importance of U.S. and Brazilian support for the Venezuelan people in their time of need by visiting with Venezuelan migrants fleeing the manmade disaster in Venezuela.

Secretary Pompeo will then travel to Bogota to meet with Colombian President Ivan Duque to discuss the strong partnership the countries share, including in managing the COVID-19 response, promoting mutual prosperity, and tackling the threats to regional security from narcotraffickers, terror groups, and Maduro’s illegitimate regime.

Finally, Secretary Pompeo will return to the United States to discuss the Department of State priorities at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.