Guyana, US seeking to accelerate progress after strategic dialogue

Guyana and the United States are looking to develop a mechanism to fast-track the implementation of agreements reached during a recent strategic dialogue session, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud said Monday.

The recent dialogue, meant to advance bilateral relations and foster mutual development, covered areas such as economic cooperation, food security, crime, climate change, environment and energy.

Persaud, in an interview with the News Room, said that several matters were agreed upon during the strategic dialogue.

“There is active follow up taking place on all the different topics and discussions that we’ve had,” he said.

He said officials are examining a mechanism whereby the dialogue can be “accelerated” and “promoted” to ensure the desired results are achieved.

“It is important that the dialogue produces the type of outcome that both of our countries want,” Persaud stated.

When asked about the dialogue’s long-term goals and objectives, Persaud said it involves “developing a framework” to “enhance our diplomatic ties and relationship.”

The dialogue examines the issues for which Guyana and the U.S. have a common interest and in which both countries have identified areas to work in a more strategic way.

The Foreign Secretary further noted the dialogue is aimed at not only developing good relations, but also to contribute to hemispheric peace and development, and working together on the global stage.

“It is about enhancing the type of relation, the type of cooperation, the type of collaboration that Guyana and the United States have.”