The Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, met this Wednesday, April 15, with the new Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy in Guatemala, Jorgan Andrews, in his first official visit to a Guatemalan Government official, after his appointment by the Donald Trump government, the Interior Ministry reported.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior (Mingob), where both delegations addressed issues related to public security and bilateral cooperation.
According to Mingob, the meeting represents support for the strategic relationship between Guatemala and the United States, especially in the fight against transnational organized crime. During the dialogue, the authorities discussed mechanisms to strengthen inter-institutional coordination.
Also participating in the activity were John M. Barrett, chargé d’affaires of the United States Embassy in Guatemala, and Kelly Hapka, of the State Department’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
The Mingob indicated that this approach seeks to consolidate international cooperation and strengthen the State’s capabilities in security matters.
Changes at the Embassy
The United States Government appointed John M. Barrett as chargé d’affaires in Venezuela, replacing Laura Dogu, who confirmed the information this Wednesday.
In a statement released on the social network
The official thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for the trust granted during her administration, in which she represented the United States in Venezuela.
Dogu added that the diplomatic team will continue with the three-phase plan for that country: stabilization, recovery and transition.
Last Tuesday, a State Department spokesperson told the EFE agency that Dogu still remained at the head of the embassy in Caracas, despite versions spread in Guatemalan media about his replacement.
Barrett assumed charge d’affaires in Guatemala in January 2026, after serving as minister counselor at the United States Embassy in Panama since May 2023.
So far, neither the United States Embassy in Guatemala nor the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry have commented on the diplomatic change.
The Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, held a meeting with the new Minister Counselor of the @usembassyguateJargon Andrews, on his first visit to an official of the @GuatemalaGob. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the #Mingob. pic.twitter.com/14VApsm6zF
— MinGob (@mingobguate) April 15, 2026
— US Embassy in Caracas (@usembassyve) April 15, 2026