GUYANA-Guyana wants to expand its partnership with the United States.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana Thursday said it is actively seeking to expand its partnership with the United States in several key areas, including crime and security and food and energy security.

“Guyana is contributing significantly in all three of these areas. The vision of Guyana is to position our country as the global leader of energy security, food security, and climate security,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali told a news conference following talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Ali told the joint news conference that Georgetown is forging ahead in developing its energy sector and expanding its petroleum resources while simultaneously intensifying its commitment to accomplishing its de-carbonization objectives.

He said in line with this commitment, Guyana has shared its forest-related credentials with the United States and is seeking a partnership with Washington to promote forests and ensure its inclusion in the climate change agenda.

Regarding crime and security, President Ali told reporters that the discussions with Blinken, who on Tuesday held talks with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Trinidad and Tobago, focused primarily on establishing robust systems to address transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, effectively.

Ali also acknowledged the significant role the US has played in providing extensive training to local law enforcement over the past two years and collaboration in combating various forms of crime.

“We are committed to continuing this partnership, expanding this partnership, building stronger relationships and thrust, creating a greater network,” President Ali said, announcing that Guyana will soon host the military training program, ‘Tradewinds Exercise,’ sponsored by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

He said this exercise provides a valuable opportunity for Guyana to strengthen its relationship with the US further and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

President Ali said as Guyana stands on the threshold of development and transformation, the United States, as a strategic partner, has been instrumental in providing valuable assistance and support to the nation.

Moreover, he said the private sector increasingly shows a greater interest in investing in Guyana.

The United States is Guyana’s largest trading partner, with an accumulated trade of over US$3.9 billion in 2022. The US is ranked the country’s number one export by destination with US$2.7 billion in 2022, and the number one import by source $US1.2 billion.

Blinken acknowledged Guyana’s role in the CARICOM food security initiative to reduce its food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.

He said the US is investing more resources to build local capacity so that, ultimately, counties across the region can develop their sustainable, productive capacity.

“As the breadbasket of the Caribbean, Guyana will continue to be a crucial part of this effort,” Blinken said, noting, however, that Washington’s support to Guyana and other Caribbean countries in food security and climate change falls under the US- Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PAC 2030).

The PAC 2030 was launched last year on the sidelines of the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California.

Through this, the US hopes to partner with Caribbean countries to strengthen energy security and promote climate adaptation and resilience. The government also hopes to improve the Caribbean’s access to development financing and needs to fund developmental goals.

Blinken also said Washington supports Guyana’s low-carbon ambitions.

“Guyana will soon be the highest producing country per capita in the world, but it is also a leader in forest conservation demonstrating that it is possible to prioritize climate mitigation (and) environmental protection while responsibly using oil and gas resources.”

From January 2024, Guyana will serve for two years on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and it has already indicated that restoring peace in Haiti is among the country’s key priorities.

The issue was discussed during the talks between Blinken and President Ali, who said helping Haiti was a key focus at the recently concluded CARICOM summit in Port of Sain.

“Haiti is just one area for potential and important collaboration with Guyana on the Security Council,” Blinken added.