US congratulates Guyana on Independence Day amid tensions with Venezuela

(CNN Spanish) — The US State Department issued a statement this Monday to mark Guyana’s 58th Independence Day, in which it reaffirms its commitment to the country as a “trusted partner” amid tensions its government faces with Venezuela.

“The United States reaffirms its commitment as a trusted partner to Guyana. Over time, our mutual acceptance of democracy and resilience will remain fundamental pillars of our strong bilateral relationship. “Our countries are closely linked by deep ties that include education, history, economy, culture and our strong people-to-people ties,” the statement, signed by Secretary Anthony Blinken, said.

Guyana is in a territorial dispute with the government of Nicolás Maduro, which last April passed legislation to create a state in the Essequibo region, which Caracas claims is its own.

The Government of Guyana promulgated the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guyana Essikiba”, saying it was “a flagrant violation of the most fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.” Conventional norms of American states and international law.”

Guyana’s president, Mohamed Irfan Ali, addressed the nation on Saturday and said his government’s strategy in the region is to “position itself as a center for greater investment,” according to a Guyanese government statement.