Guyana, US sign MoU to strengthen security, economic cooperation

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.

The MoU outlines a collaborative approach to addressing regional challenges such as narcotics trafficking, transnational organised crime, and broader security concerns. The agreement also lays the groundwork for greater cooperation in trade, energy, human capital development, and infrastructure.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised that Guyana and the US share a strong bilateral relationship, built on a solid foundation of shared values in democracy, respect for international law, and peace.

“Guyana and the United States have shared a strong bond of friendship and partnership… The United States is our trusted partner as we continue to build a stable, secure, and democratic society here,” President Ali stated.

Turning his attention to the Secretary of State’s visit, the President noted, “This visit has allowed us to consolidate our bilateral agenda, defining policies and outlining clear intentions in areas of security, trade, energy, investments, infrastructure, democracy, regional peace and stability, human capital deployment, and development.”

President Ali further highlighted that the two nations are working together to combat transnational crime, including narcotics and drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and smuggling. This commitment is reflected in the enhanced MoU signed today.

Additionally, the President underscored that Guyana remains committed to upholding both international and local labour laws, particularly as the country addresses a critical shortage of skilled workers in the health sector.

“We have reassured our partner that we will continue to ensure full compliance with all international and local labour laws. As we expand our healthcare system and address the critical shortage of human capital, we will explore areas of collaboration to fill existing gaps,” he stated.