Travel to Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, and Texas, September 17-20, 2020

Summary

• Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo traveled to Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Boa Vista, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; and Plano, Texas, September 17-20, 2020.  This trip highlighted the United States’ commitment to defend democracy, combat COVID-19 while revitalizing our economies in the pandemic’s wake, and strengthen security against regional threats.

• In Paramaribo, Secretary Pompeo celebrated the triumph of democracy by meeting with recently elected Surinamese President Chan Santokhi and his cabinet to discuss increased bilateral cooperation and opportunities for partnerships in energy and security.

• In Georgetown, Guyana, Secretary Pompeo congratulated newly elected president Irfaan Ali and his cabinet, and met with CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque.  He reinforced the promise of a values-based U.S. partnership highlighting opportunities for more responsible and transparent private sector investment to increase prosperity for the people of Guyana, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• In Boa Vista, Brazil, Secretary Pompeo underscored the importance of U.S. and Brazilian support for the Venezuelan people in their time of need by visiting with Venezuelan migrants fleeing the manmade disaster in Venezuela.

• Secretary Pompeo then traveled to Bogota to meet with Colombian President Ivan Duque to discuss the strong partnership our countries share, including in managing the COVID-19 response, promoting mutual prosperity, and tackling the threats to regional security from narcotraffickers, terror groups, and Maduro’s illegitimate regime.

• Finally, Secretary Pompeo returned to the United States to discuss Department of State priorities at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.