“The United States is our trusted partner”—Pres. Ali as Guyana, US sign MoU to deepen security cooperation

President Dr Irfaan Ali affirmed that the United States of America stands as Guyana’s trusted partner, with a relationship rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the principles of international order.

This, the Head of State emphasised, will be bolstered by the enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today between the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during his one-day visit to Guyana, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

“The United States is our trusted partner as we continue to build a stable, secure, and democratic society here.”

The visit, according to the President, has allowed both nations to consolidate their bilateral agenda—by defining policies and outlining clear intentions in areas such as security, trade, energy, investments, infrastructure, democracy, regional peace and stability, and human capital deployment and development.

The President underscored that the joint commitment between the two countries to enhance collaboration in combating transnational crime also includes tackling narco- and human trafficking, money laundering, and all forms of smuggling.

“I’m very pleased at the reassurance of the US in ensuring the safeguard of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Our partnership and joint commitment to the safeguard of this region from every disruptive force is key to the maintenance of democracy and an adherence to the rule of law.”

Guyana, the President noted, has also “reassured our partner that we will continue to ensure all international and local labour laws are adhered to in the hiring of regional and international labour. Furthermore, with our expanding healthcare system and critical shortage of human capital, we will explore areas of collaboration to address existing gaps.”

Additionally, through bilateral discussions with President Ali and Rubio, key regional infrastructure projects for development have been identified as potential areas for investment. Guyana and the United States have also committed to working closely on the deployment of Guyana’s energy potential to ensure greater integration, value creation, and regional energy security.

Food security and enhanced trade through joint initiatives to remove obstacles and expand existing areas of interest were also discussed.

“I am confident that the outcome of this visit has further aligned our policy agendas, shared commitment, and collaboration, which will bring enormous benefits to our two countries and the region.”

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips; Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; and other Cabinet Ministers and Government officials were also part of the meeting, which was held at State House.