Published: 22nd of October 2026 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: October 22, 2026 at 6:38 am
From President Irfaan Ali…
Today, I signed a Joint Declaration for an Enhanced Defense Partnership with United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
This landmark declaration builds on our multi-decade partnership with the United States and represents an important step in strengthening the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reflects the strategic importance both countries attach to the security and stability of Guyana and the wider Western Hemisphere.
Under this enhanced partnership, the U.S. Department of War will provide sustained defence expertise, multidomain training and combined military exercises with the Guyana Defence Force, supporting our continued efforts to develop a modern, strategic defence architecture. Our cooperation will also strengthen Guyana’s air-domain awareness and our capacity to monitor, deter and respond to threats within and around our territory.
Importantly, the declaration reinforces our shared commitment to confronting narcoterrorist organisations and narcotrafficking, building on Guyana’s and the United States’ founding roles in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and the Shield of the Americas. Together, we are sending a clear message that Guyana and its partners stand ready to deter malign state and non-state actors that threaten our peace, sovereignty and regional security.
This agreement marks another significant milestone in our expanding strategic partnership with the United States, which now encompasses security, energy, trade and investment. As Guyana continues to strengthen its leadership role in the hemisphere, we remain committed to building partnerships grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, security and the protection of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
