Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer travelled to Guyana and Colombia on February 4-5 to continue U.S. cooperation with our regional partners on issues of mutual interests, including democratic governance, economic stability, and regional security.  He was accompanied by National Security Council’s Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere Juan González.

In Guyana, Mr. Finer met with President Irfaan Ali to reaffirm our unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and defense capabilities.  They discussed ways to strengthen our bilateral cooperation on regional security, combatting climate change, and food security matters.  The United States appreciates Guyana’s leadership in the region, including its support for a Haitian political accord and for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for the people of Haiti. We look forward to advancing our shared priorities during Guyana’s membership on the UN Security Council these next two years.  Mr. Finer also met with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to discuss ongoing planning for the MSS to Haiti and the urgent need for robust international support for the mission, as well as ways to promote democratic governance in Venezuela.

In Colombia, Mr. Finer met with President Gustavo Petro to continue building on our strong decades-long partnership with Colombia across a broad set of shared bilateral goals, including our support for the Peace Accord implementation and deepening U.S.-Colombian economic ties.  They also discussed our efforts to counter narcotics trafficking and manage hemispheric migration, as well as our work with international partners and actors in Venezuela to implement commitments made in the Barbados Agreement and pave the way for competitive and inclusive elections.