President Irfaan Ali on Thursday said Guyana’s relationship with the United States is at its strongest, pointing to growing collaboration in security, healthcare, diplomacy and investment as evidence of an increasingly strategic partnership between the two countries.
Addressing the United States Embassy’s Freedom 250 reception at the Four Points by Sheraton to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, Ali said the bilateral relationship has deepened through sustained engagement between both governments.
“After 60 years of independence and 250 years for the United States of America, today, our partnership is at its strongest,” the President said. “Our diplomacy is at its strongest and, make no mistake, our joint commitment to international peace, international order, democracy and the rule of law is at its strongest.”
He attributed that progress to the work of officials from both countries, saying they have spent years building confidence, trust and enduring relationships.
Ali said Guyana’s foreign policy is centred on cultivating partnerships with countries that have consistently supported its interests.
“The test of friendship is those who will turn up for you,” he said, adding that Guyana seeks relationships “not based on any ideology” but on mutual respect and shared interests.
According to the President, the relationship between Georgetown and Washington is underpinned by common values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for international law, human rights and support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The relationship between our two nations is not one of convenience, but of conviction. It is predicated on cooperation for mutual interests and, more importantly, on shared values,” he said.
Ali said cooperation has expanded significantly in the health sector, highlighting partnerships with Mount Sinai and Northwell Health, which he said are helping to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system.
“Our healthcare system has been revolutionized in profound ways not only in equipment and buildings, but in technology, standards, regulations and training,” he said, adding that the country’s emergency medical system is being rebuilt to meet future demands.
The President also underscored the importance of defence and security ties, saying he no longer viewed the relationship as simple cooperation but as a security alliance.
“Our security alliance is not only aligned. The task before us is to make it intertwine seamlessly,” he said.
He argued that both countries face common threats, including organised crime, narcotics trafficking and attempts by terrorist groups to establish a presence in the region, making closer collaboration essential.
“We are combining our efforts to fight it together because what we want together is to allow our children to wake up in a safe space, in a safe region,” he said.
Ali added that Guyana’s National Defence Institute is working closely with its American counterpart to align training programmes, strategic priorities and institutional development.
The President also welcomed increased American private sector investment, describing it as another pillar of the bilateral relationship. He said Guyana intends to continue strengthening ties with the United States while pursuing a foreign policy grounded in peace, stability and respect for international law.
“We harbour no ambition beyond our borders. We seek no domination over others. Rather, we seek to ensure peace, stability and development,” he said.
Ali said Guyana remains committed to being “a good neighbour, an excellent global citizen and a reliable partner in times of need” and expressed optimism that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow.
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