Guyana has taken a further step in strengthening its defence and security ties with the United States following the signing of an agreement aimed at expanding military cooperation between the two countries.

President Irfaan Ali confirmed that Guyana and the United States have also entered into a Statement of Intent to broaden joint military engagement, stressing that the arrangement is grounded in mutual respect for national sovereignty and domestic laws. The announcement followed high level discussions in Guyana on Tuesday with senior United States officials, including Patrick Weaver, Senior Advisor to the US Secretary of War, and Joseph Humire, Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

According to President Ali, the agreement forms part of a wider and ongoing framework through which Washington is deepening collaboration with partners across South America and the Caribbean Community on defence and regional security matters. He said the initiative reflects a shift in United States policy that places greater emphasis on cooperation within the Western Hemisphere.

Ali explained that the United States is advancing a security strategy referred to as the Southern Spear, which is designed to increase engagement and investment in CARICOM states and neighbouring countries. He noted that the approach signals a stronger commitment by the United States and its regional allies to coordinated action in addressing shared security concerns.

The President said the new understanding reinforces long standing arrangements already in place, including training programmes and collaborative operations under existing agreements. Among these is the Shiprider Agreement, which allows United States security forces, in coordination with local authorities, to pursue, intercept and board vessels involved in drug trafficking within Guyanese waters.

When asked whether the Statement of Intent could eventually lead to a formal defence treaty between Guyana and the United States, President Ali indicated that discussions remain ongoing. He said the process is evolving and that further dialogue in the coming months could result in deeper levels of cooperation and operational integration.

The signing of the agreement comes less than 24 hours after President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working alongside international partners to promote peace and democracy while countering transnational criminal activity. During talks with visiting Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Ali highlighted persistent challenges posed by the misuse of airspace and waterways by criminal networks.

He stressed that illicit trafficking and other forms of illegitimate trade continue to threaten the reputation and security of the Caribbean region. Ali underscored the need for collective action, noting that sustained partnerships are essential to ensuring a safe and stable region for future generations over the next 30, 40 and 50 years.