Support for Guyana’s development was made clear on Tuesday as officials from the United States of America engaged local authorities in a strategic dialogue meant to advance bilateral ties and mutual development.
The Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs Dan Erikson told Guyanese officials that the US is aware of the government’s efforts to develop an “equitable and thoughtful path” towards inclusive development, including through the use of the country’s oil wealth fund known as the Natural Resource Fund.
He emphasised, “The US stands ready to support you in that effort.”
Low carbon development, beefing up defence capabilities and improving business ties were among other priority areas of collaboration, Erikson pointed.
And as he expressed the country’s support for Guyana’s development, the US official made it clear that the US is in full support of South American nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty- a position communicated even in face of aggressions from Venezuela.
“… the US fully supports GUyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Erikson said, noting that this support comes from US President Joseph Biden himself.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud told Erikson and other US officials that America is Guyana’s “valued ally” and the country looks forward to deepening bilateral and business ties.
Persaud also said the US’s support of Guyana’s border and Essequibo region has been well-received.
The border controversy case is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Guyana hopes for a full, final and binding judgement that the border between the two states was settled after the 1899 Arbitral Award and a reaffirmation that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana.
