Strong Guyana/ US partnership helping to combat ‘complex’ regional security challenges

The United States has been a key partner for Guyana, boosting security efforts including in the protection of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

And it is believed that this strong partnership is necessary to help combat regional security challenges.

“Under the leadership of President Ali, the government of Guyana under is taking a proactive approach to protect first and foremost, our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The United States has consistently condemned Venezuela’s claims over the Essequibo and has been steadfast in its support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud said on Friday.

Persaud made the remarks as he addressed the closing ceremony of the “Strategy and Defence Policy Course” hosted by the William J. Perry Center in collaboration with the National Defence Institute.

According to Persaud, Venezuela’s “aggressive rhetoric” towards Guyana stands not only as a threat to national security but also challenges the region aspiration to remain a zone of peace. Those threat and several others reinforces the need for partnerships, he added.

“Regional security is increasingly facing complex and interrelated challenges that transcend borders, including drug trafficking, transnational crimes, money laundering, trafficking in persons, and displacement and illegal migration.

“The multidimensional implications and transboundary nature of these challenges require sustained hemispheric cooperation, long- term strategic planning and strengthened security sector governance,” Persaud explained.

Regional security considerations affect development too, according to Persaud.

“The growth in our economies, trade and investment opportunities, and the social-being of our citizens rely on stability and security.

“It is incumbent on each of us, as policy makers, to ensure that we create synergies in policy formulation using a holistic and inclusive approach to overcome security threats and challenges, in keeping with our national interests,” he noted.

With these considerations in mind, the Foreign Secretary outlined a series of measures on how Guyana and the region can improve its secutiry and defence capabilities. Those measures include safeguarding democracy which allows the rule of law to prevail and guarantees security.

He further noted that strong partnerships must be built amongst countries and stakeholders in the region to foster cooperation and collaboration, information, and knowledge sharing.

“Increased diplomatic efforts are key to this endeavour. The Guyana- USA strategic partnership offers opportunities to explore innovative ways in combatting security challenges, including through the use of technologies to manage security risks,” Persaud said.