GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana and the United States have signed an enhanced defence partnership aimed at strengthening military cooperation, improving airspace surveillance and tackling drug trafficking and other security threats across the region.
Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed the Joint Declaration for an Enhanced Defence Partnership at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on October 21.
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The agreement provides for expanded military training, joint exercises and access to sustained defence expertise to support the development of Guyana’s defence capabilities. It also seeks to improve the Guyana Defence Force’s ability to monitor the country’s airspace and detect, deter and respond to potential threats within and around its borders.
According to Guyana’s Department of Public Information, the declaration builds on decades of security cooperation between the two countries and reflects their shared interest in protecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The partnership will also strengthen collaboration against narcoterrorist organisations and drug-trafficking networks operating across the Western Hemisphere. Both countries are involved in regional security initiatives, including the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and the Shield of the Americas.
Hegseth praised Guyana’s regional leadership during the signing, highlighting its cooperation with the United States and other Caribbean partners on security matters.
He said the countries faced common challenges, including drug trafficking and the influence of external military actors in the Western Hemisphere. He also emphasised the importance of closer coordination between their armed forces.
President Ali welcomed the expanded partnership, saying regional stability was essential to long-term prosperity. He stressed the importance of a region free from drug trafficking, terrorism and external actors that could undermine security.
“This is the era of action; this is the era of leadership; this is the era of domination and commitment, and we’re very happy to be part of this partnership,” Ali said.
The declaration comes as Guyana’s growing economic importance and strategic position have increased attention on its national security needs. The country has expanded its oil and gas industry in recent years and continues to prioritise the protection of its territory and natural resources.
Guyana also remains involved in a longstanding territorial dispute with neighbouring Venezuela over the Essequibo region, although the declaration does not specifically identify the dispute as its target.
Beyond defence, Guyana and the United States maintain cooperation in energy, trade and investment. The latest agreement adds another dimension to those relations by formalising plans for closer military coordination and improved security capabilities.
While the declaration outlines areas for expanded cooperation, the public announcement did not specify a detailed implementation timetable, the amount of funding involved or particular military equipment to be supplied.
The agreement marks a further step in strengthening US-Guyana security ties, with both governments signalling their intention to work more closely against cross-border criminal networks and threats to regional stability.
