United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has commended President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for his leadership as a regional security partner, as the two leaders held high-level talks on strengthening bilateral security cooperation, regional stability and developments in Venezuela.
According to a statement from Principal Deputy U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio praised President Ali for Guyana’s growing role in promoting security and stability across the Western Hemisphere, noting the country’s increasing importance within regional and international security frameworks.
The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening security cooperation with Guyana to address shared threats, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, which continue to undermine regional stability and economic resilience. Both leaders underscored the importance of sustained collaboration to disrupt foreign terrorist organisations and transnational criminal networks, while strengthening law enforcement capacity and border security.
In a separate release issued by Foreign Secretary Robert M. Persaud, President Ali reiterated Guyana’s steadfast commitment to working closely with the United States, describing Washington as a strategic and vital security ally. He also commended the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio in reaffirming a shared commitment to freedom, democracy and regional security.
President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s support for efforts to combat transnational crime, including drug and gold smuggling and narco-terrorism, while underscoring the country’s respect for the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the upholding of democratic norms across the region.
The Guyanese Head of State also welcomed Secretary Rubio’s reaffirmation of continued U.S. support and partnership with Guyana in the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both President Ali and Secretary Rubio committed to remain engaged on the matters discussed and to continue cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.
The discussions took place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.