The recent postures and action by the Venezuelan government regarding its illegal claim to Guyana’s territory was deemed a threat to stability in the western hemisphere.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud joined leaders of the Western Hemisphere at the Eight Concordia Americas Summit held at the University of Miami on 22- 23 April 2024, a release from the Department of Public Information said. This year’s Summit focused on sustainable and inclusive growth and strengthening democracy, featuring sessions on topics of importance to the region, including climate change, governance, security, migration, rule of law, investment, economic partnerships and education.
The Foreign Secretary was invited to participate in a Strategic Dialogue entitled ‘Regional Unity: Strategies to improve the Western Hemisphere Relationships’, the release said.
The dialogue sought to provide a platform for leaders and experts to explore strategies aimed at enhancing and revitalizing the ties and cooperation between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. During the dialogue, the release said that leaders identified and discussed key challenges and threats that require greater collaboration in security, democratic backsliding, socio-economic pressures, supply chains disruptions, irregular migration and cybercrime, among others.
The release said that Persaud underscored the need for a collaborative, regional and hemispheric approach in dealing with some of these challenges.
Among the speakers at the dialogue were Secretary General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro, former President of Colombia Iván Duque, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Terrance Drew, Combatant Commander of US Southern Command General Laura Richardson and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador Gabriela Sommerfield.
Concordia is a global convener of heads of state, government officials, C-suite executives, and leaders of nonprofits, think tanks, and foundations to find cross-sector solutions. The release said that the Second Concordia Amazonas Summit will be held in Guyana on 9-13 July 2024, with a focus on Environmental Sustainability and Financial Inclusion.
