A large United States (US) congressional delegation met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other top officials on Friday and the two sides reportedly agreed that the two countries will strengthen overall relations, including the modernisation of Guyana’s energy and physical infrastructure.
The meeting with the visiting seven-member bipartisan delegation took place at the State House in Georgetown.
The delegation was led by the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Jason Smith. Other representatives of this committee, Terri Sewell, Carol Miller, Michelle Fischbach, Beth Van Duyne and Mike Carey are visiting.
The Committee on Ways and Means has the responsibility for raising the revenue required to finance the Federal Government. It is the oldest committee of the US Congress.
Representative of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Kelly Armstrong is also part of the visiting delegation.
A Facebook release from the Office of the President noted that the Head of State spoke about the importance of democracy, enhancing trade and ways of strengthening the overall relationship between the two countries.
Dr. Ali also noted the two country’s shared principles on promoting democracy and the rule of law and respect for international law.
The News Room understands that President Ali also informed the congressional delegation about developments in Guyana, and reiterated his government’s commitment to strong partnership with the US in several areas including, energy, food security, climate change and national security.
Meanwhile, the News Room also understands that the Chairman commended the President and Guyana for its leadership in number of areas in the region.
He, reportedly, pledged continued US support and cooperation in a number of areas including support for the modernisation of the country’ s energy and physical infrastructure.
Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, Minister Of Public Works, Juan Edghill and other Cabinet members were also present at Friday’s meeting.
