US Congressional Black Caucus applauds President Ali for “visionary leadership”

…bestows him with Certificate of Congressional Recognition

President Dr Irfaan Ali has linked networking as an important ingredient in diplomacy, in creating lasting partnerships that is built on trust and democracy.
The United States Congressional Black Caucus hosted President Irfaan Ali to a dinner on Thursday night on Capitol Hill, Washington.
The Congressional Black Caucus is made up of African-American members of the United States Congress. In addressing the gathering, Ali pledged his Government’s support and openness in deepening ties with their US counterparts.
“An important aspect of diplomacy is networking. When we build friendship, we must be able to share that network and integrate that network in building trust and enhancing relationship,” the President relayed.

Members of the caucus have lauded President Ali’s leadership, especially his efforts in agriculture and climate change. This was highlighted by Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Congressman Gregory Meeks.
Meeks commented, “He (President Ali) is an individual that has a vision of how to make sure that tomorrow is better than today, bringing all of the people of Guyana together and working together collectively with other countries in the forefront with reference to making sure that we deal with agriculture so people are not starving or hungry; and how the United States can work with them.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee said the meeting with President Ali is an affirmation of “mutual love for democracy” and treating citizens with “the highest level of dignity”.

“For us to generate peace and security, it has to be through diplomacy…To be able to show the new Guyana is a very important position to take. I’m very proud to have the opportunity to meet with you and for this kind of legacy and future that you’re planning for your people.”
The Guyanese Head of State was also bestowed with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Jackson-Lee for his visionary leadership in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee added, “It goes on to assure that you are steadfast in your commitment to the wellbeing and the future of the Guyanese people, and through your outstanding character as a leader, you are going to help them overcome struggles that they may not foresee…It goes on to indicate that your election was a triumph of democracy and a promise of hope for the Guyanese people.”
Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee; Congressman Danny Davis from Illinois and Congressman Al Green from Texas joined Congresswoman Jackson-Lee and Congressman Meeks while the Guyanese delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Hinds and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, Zulfikar Ally.
Since he arrived in the United States, President Ali has facilitated meetings with several high-level officials, including the Secretary of State. Throughout this week, the effort has been placed on strengthening ties between the US and Guyana.
The United States and Guyana have a deep-rooted history of trade, public health initiatives, economic development, and collaboration to empower civil society, promote stability, and reinforce security.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Guyana’s economy is the fastest growing in the world. Its economy is forecast to grow this year at roughly 47 per cent with a projected GDP of $9.5 billion. Additionally, Guyana serves as a gateway to Caribbean trade development as it is home to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat.
Only last month, President Ali attended the Summit of the Americas that was held in California, US, under the theme: “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future”.
During his presentation at the Second Plenary session, he underscored the importance of equality, democracy, and energy security to the sustainability of countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, noting that the region has the potential to address these pressing issues.
The Guyanese Head of State told his colleagues from the western hemisphere that issues plaguing countries such as inequalities, threats to democracy, and energy insecurity among others cannot be divorced from the sustainability and prosperity of the region. (G12)