President Irfaan Ali this morning spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio via telephone. During that conversation, Ali reportedly conveyed high praise to Rubio for the leadership carried out by him and President of the United States Donald Trump. Ali also reaffirmed support for “every effort” made by the US to combat “transnational crime.” The conversation was had on the heels of recent actions by the US to capture Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an operation that killed several non-us nationals, particularly Venezuelans and Cubans.
See below for full statement attributed to Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert M. Persaud
“President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio spoke this morning on recent developments in Venezuela and other issues of importance in the Western Hemisphere.
President Ali commended the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio in reaffirming a shared commitment to freedom, democracy and regional security.
President Ali reiterated Guyana’s steadfast commitment to working with the United States – the region’s strategic and important security ally. The President re-emphasised Guyana’s support for every effort to combat transnational crime, including drugs and gold smuggling, and narco-terrorism. The President also reiterated Guyana’s respect for the rule of law, free and fair elections, upholding of democratic norms and the furtherance of peace and prosperity for all the people of the region.
President Ali welcomed Secretary Rubio’s reaffirmation of the US continued support for and partnership with Guyana in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both President Ali and Secretary Rubio committed to remain engaged on areas discussed and other areas of mutual interest.”
