Jagdeo: Rubio’s visit signals stronger Guyana-US relations

Guyana’s Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has expressed his satisfaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana, stating his belief that the visit will strengthen relationship between the two countries.

He made these remarks during his weekly press briefing at Freedom House, which was also broadcast live on Thursday.

“We’re extremely pleased that Secretary Rubio visited Guyana just nine weeks after assuming office as Secretary of State. As he himself pointed out, Guyana has a strong relationship with the United States, and there is a mutual commitment to strengthening that relationship. The President and Secretary Rubio just concluded a press conference, during which the President outlined key areas of focus. The Secretary himself highlighted several issues of great interest to Guyanese at home and abroad, particularly concerning our security and the preservation of our territorial integrity,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Dr. Jagdeo also expressed the government’s deep appreciation for the US’s strong support regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border issue and its commitment to recognising the 1899 Arbitral Award and the demarcation of Guyana’s borders.

He further expressed satisfaction that there is strong support to ensure Guyana’s borders remain protected.

“In the discussions we’ve had with representatives, a number of issues were raised… We spoke about the exciting future for Guyana and the necessity of carefully planning for that future. The Secretary himself noted that what we are engaged in here in Guyana is a transformational process—one that presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The decisions made today will shape this country for the next 100 years,” he said.

The Vice President added that it is crucial for these decisions to be made with the welfare of the people at heart.

He further noted that the government highlighted to Secretary Rubio the vast opportunities within the oil and gas sector and its intense focus on several new initiatives aimed at ensuring long-term prosperity beyond oil and gas.