A delegation from Ecuador is currently in Guyana primarily for talks about the handing over of the chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to President Bharrat Jagdeo and other issues including developing a protocol for democracy, combating the drug trade and climate change.
The delegation met on Thursday with Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to discuss the process for handing over of the chairmanship of UNASUR.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Rodrigues-Birkett noted that it was her first meeting with Ecuador Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino since the crisis in Ecuador that threatened its democratic process. She reiterated Guyana’s firm adherence to democratic principles and support for the Government of Ecuador. She pointed out that Guyana was expected to assume the chairmanship of UNASUR in August but this will now take place on November 26, on the occasion of the fourth summit, when Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa will hand over the chair to President Jagdeo. She added that discussions on bilateral relations and issues that arose during Ecuador’s leadership will also be discussed.
Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated that though the grouping is still very young, much has been achieved, although there is still more to be done. She noted too that Guyana, as the chair of the organisation, will do its best.
Patino, meanwhile, expressed an interest in strengthening relations with the Government of Guyana. “We believe that we have a lot to give to each other since we have a common history and we believe that the strengthening of UNASUR and our bilateral relations will have a positive impact on our people,” he said. Patino also noted that there still needs to be two more signatory countries to ratify the treaty and he is hopeful that by the time the chairmanship is handed over this will be met.
Currently seven countries have signed on to the treaty. “Ecuador would offer all the support that is necessary to assist the administration of Guyana to successfully carry the chairmanship of UNASUR,” he added.