President Irfaan Ali Advances Defense Collaboration in Meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

President Irfaan Ali Advances Defense Collaboration in Meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

President Irfaan Ali Advances Defense Collaboration in Meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged in a strategic meeting this afternoon with Daniel Erikson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere at the US Department of Defense. The discussions centered on various areas of mutual interest, fostering collaboration between Guyana and the United States.

Key topics covered during the meeting included regional security, food security, climate change, information sharing, narcotics monitoring, and disaster risk management. Both nations expressed a commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, with Guyana actively seeking to modernize its defense system. The United States, in turn, has offered support to ensure this process leads to a strategic and sustainable military mechanism.

Following his two-day visit to Guyana, Daniel P. Erikson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, shared the outcomes of his discussions with members of the Guyana Government, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders during a media engagement at the US Embassy.

Erikson highlighted the strong bilateral foundation for future cooperation on defense and security between Guyana and the United States. The ongoing conversation revolves around the modernization of Guyana’s defense system and the potential scope of such an undertaking. He foresees a future where Guyana will seek to expand its maritime and aerial assets beyond the current capabilities.

Addressing the regional context, Erikson emphasized the United States’ support for the respect of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the border controversy with Venezuela. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the hemisphere through diplomatic channels, particularly as the situation has reached a point of relative de-escalation.

The meeting between President Irfaan Ali and Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro was noted, and the United States underscored its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts for regional stability.

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