Guyana and Brazil are exploring opportunities to expand military cooperation, including specialised training, information sharing, and capacity building, as the two countries seek to address shared border security and regional defence challenges.
The matter was discussed on Thursday at Base Camp Ayanganna, where Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Brigadier Omar Khan met with a senior Brazilian military delegation led by the Military Commander of the Amazon, General Luiz Gonzaga Viana Filho.
The delegation included Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry Brigade Brigadier General Roberto Pereira Angrizani, Deputy Commander of Operation Catrimani Brigadier General Klauber Rogerio Candian, and Assistant to the Commander of the Amazon Military Command Colonel Bastos Costa.
According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the discussions focused on shared defence and security concerns, information exchange, military capabilities, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two forces.
The Brazilian delegation also received a security briefing during the engagement.
Brigadier Khan described the discussions as productive, stressing the importance of continued engagement between the two militaries in addressing common challenges.
He noted that instability elsewhere in the hemisphere could have wider regional implications, making sustained dialogue between Guyana and Brazil important for strategic planning and decision-making.
The Chief of Defence Staff also acknowledged Brazil’s longstanding contribution to GDF training and professional development since Guyana gained independence.
Building on that history, the two sides considered expanding training opportunities beyond infantry and jungle warfare to include officer development and specialised courses.
General Viana Filho welcomed closer engagement between the forces and encouraged continued information sharing and discussions on capacity building. Mountain warfare training was among the areas identified for further engagement.
He also invited Brigadier Khan to visit the headquarters of the Amazon Military Command.
The visit began with the Brazilian delegation being received at the Takutu River Bridge by the commanding officer of the 3 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Castello, and his team.
The bridge connects Lethem in Guyana with Bonfim in Brazil’s Roraima State and serves as a key link between the two countries.
According to the GDF, the engagement builds on longstanding defence cooperation between Guyana and Brazil, with both sides examining ways to strengthen military capabilities through training and closer collaboration.
The GDF said the cooperation would support Guyana’s efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity while complementing the Brazilian military’s responsibilities in the Amazon region.
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