Ecuadorian Foreign Minister calls on President Jagdeo
- to discuss hand over of UNASUR chairmanship

In further efforts at advancing the strengthening of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and in preparation for the handing over of the rotating chairmanship, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, and a delegation of seven on a one-day visit to Guyana on Thursday, met with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.  


President Bharrat Jagdeo is greeted by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive. (Sandra Prince Photo)

            “We had the opportunity to coordinate the activities of UNASUR for the last time and now it’s the turn for Guyana, and we are very pleased to hand over all the information of all the work we have done so that Guyana can take over the chairmanship,” Minister Patino said.
            The Spanish speaking Minister through an interpreter noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Ecuador are currently in discussions, which will be focused on preparation for the handing over and agenda of the November 26 meeting to be held in Guyana.
            At the fourth UNASUR Summit, there will be a meeting of national delegations of each of the signatory countries on November 23 and 24. This will be followed by discussion by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Heads of State on November 26 and will conclude with the handing over of the chairmanship.


From left;- President Bharrat Jagdeo, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and interpreter during courtesy call at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul drive.
(Sandra Prince Photo)  

             “We are very pleased to be here in Guyana. It is the first time I came here and I truly feel that it is a very familiar environment to our cities and we are very happy to have that relationship and to have received such courtesy,” the Foreign Minister stated.
            President Jagdeo also came in for high praise from the visiting Foreign Minister, as it relates to the solidarity shown to the country.
            “We also had the opportunity to thank the President of Guyana for his solidarity with Ecuador through the difficult times we had when there was an attempt on our country and for that we are grateful,” he posited.