Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to Guyana. The visit is part of Secretary Blinken’s broader engagement in the Caribbean region, where he will participate in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting and the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM celebration in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on July 5, 2023.
This will be the second visit by a United States Secretary of State, after Mike Pompeo in 2020.
Following Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to The Bahamas on June 8, where she co-hosted the US-Caribbean Leaders Meeting, Secretary Blinken aims to further strengthen ties and address key regional challenges in his discussions with heads of government, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who will assume the role of CARICOM Chair.
On July 6, Secretary Blinken will continue his trip by traveling to Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. During his visit, he will hold crucial meetings with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and other prominent members of the cabinet. The discussions will focus on various priority bilateral issues, including food and energy security, decarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity.
The inclusion of Guyana on Secretary Blinken’s itinerary highlights the growing significance of the United States’ relationship with the country. Guyana has recently emerged as an influential player in the region due to its vast oil and gas reserves. The country’s newfound wealth has sparked international interest and spurred economic development opportunities.
