Guyana, Ecuador to hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy, combating drug trade

A delegation from Ecuador, headed by its Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino is in Guyana for talks with the Guyana Government, primarily with regards to the process of the handing over of the Chairmanship of UNASUR to President Bharrat Jagdeo.
            on Thursday evening the group met with Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to discuss issues Guyana would like to advance and the process for handing over of the chairmanship.
           Apart from the UNASUR discussions, the two countries will also hold talks on developing a protocol for democracy; combating the drug trade, and climate change mitigations.
            Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in a warm welcome to the Ecuadorian delegation said that it was her first meeting with the Foreign Minister, since the crisis in Ecuador that threatened the democratic process, reiterating Guyana’s firm adherence to democratic principles and support for the Government of Ecuador.
            Ecuador currently holds the chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
             The Minister pointed out that Guyana was expected to assume the chairmanship of UNASUR in August; but that this will now take place on November 26, on the occasion of the fourth summit, when Ecuador’s President Rafeal Correa will hand over the chair to President Jagdeo.
            While emphasising Guyana’s pleasure for being able to host its South American counterpart, the Minister said that discussion on bilateral relations, in addition to the transition of the chairmanship and issues that arose during Ecuador’s leadership will also be discussed.  
            Giving a brief background, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett alluded to the signing of the constitutive treaty on May 23, 2008, pointing out that there were several meetings leading up to the historic event.
            She reiterated that though the grouping is still very young, much has been achieved, although there is still more to be done, noting that Guyana as the chair of the organisation will do its best.
            Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian Foreign Minister while addressing media operatives expressed his interest in strengthening relations with the Government of Guyana.


Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett (second from left), flanked by Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino and visiting delegation during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

            “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,” Minister Patino stated.
            However, there still needs to be two more signatory countries to ratify the treaty and, according to the Spanish speaking Minister, it is his hope that by the time the chairmanship is handed over this will be met. There are currently seven countries already signed on, with the exception of the two.
            “Ecuador would offer all the support that is necessary to assist the administration of Guyana to successfully carry the chairmanship of UNASUR,” he stated.
            In an invited comment, on the protocol of democracy to be developed Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that it is expected that the protocol will be passed by the Heads State at the upcoming summit.