GEORGETOWN, Guyana/CMC – Guyana has signed an agreement with the United States expanding military cooperation between the two countries.

“The two countries also signed a Statement of Intent to expand joint military cooperation with full respect for the sovereignty and laws of both countries,” President Irfaan Ali said, following talks here with senior US officials, including US Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War, Patrick Weaver, and the Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Joseph Humire on Tuesday.

“The US government now is launching what they call the ‘Southern Spear’ of security where they are now coming up with a strategy for the Western Hemisphere and the US government is to invest more and pay attention more to the Caricom and Western Hemisphere so basically the countries and allies in the region signalling their intention for more collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

Ali said the agreement provides for “reinforcement” of long-term training and collaboration under existing regimes like the Shiprider Agreement that allows for US security personnel to chase, intercept and board drug trafficking vessels in Guyanese waters.

Guyana signs US military cooperation agreement | News | trinidadexpress.com