Guyana, US sign agreement to expand military cooperation

President Ali and acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs Joseph Humire hold up the agreement in the presence of members of their respective teams

Guyana and the United States have signed a Statement of Intent to expand joint military cooperation, the government said on Tuesday.

The agreement was signed during talks at State House between President Irfaan Ali and US officials Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, and Joseph Humire, acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs. US Ambassador Nicole Theriot also attended the meeting.

The United States has strengthened its presence in the Caribbean amid its efforts to combat the narcotics trade in the region and growing tensions with Venezuela.

Washington has also repeatedly affirmed its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in light of Venezuela’s renewed claims over the Essequibo region. The latest engagement underscores continued U.S. backing for Georgetown, including through enhanced information sharing, maritime cooperation, and coordinated monitoring activities.

In a Facebook post, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said both countries agreed that the expanded military collaboration will proceed with full respect for each nation’s sovereignty and laws.

The two countries maintain ongoing security cooperation, including U.S. training programmes for the Guyana Defence Force, counter-narcotics operations, disaster-response readiness, and regular joint exercises aimed at strengthening regional stability.

Also present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan.