Belize and Guyana have signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation across defence, education, tourism, investment, and digital transformation, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and shared Caribbean values between the two nations.
The agreements were finalized as President Dr. Irfaan Ali concluded a three-day state visit to Belize on Tuesday. Officials said the MOUs reflect both governments’ commitment to peaceful collaboration, respect for sovereignty, and practical cooperation that benefits their citizens while promoting regional stability and development.
The MOUs establish broad frameworks for collaboration in areas including defence and security, education and skills development, tourism, economic engagement, and digital transformation. They are guided by principles of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity, and non-interference, and are aligned with both countries’ national laws and obligations under the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
In defence and security, Belize and Guyana agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity-building, information exchange, training, and dialogue to address shared challenges such as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other emerging threats. Officials emphasized that this cooperation is defensive, non-binding, and designed to strengthen institutional capabilities while supporting peace and stability across the Caribbean.
The education framework includes commitments to expand scholarships, academic exchanges, and skills development programs, including access to digital learning platforms, with the goal of deepening people-to-people ties and investing in human capital for future generations.
Tourism cooperation aims to promote joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing, multi-destination travel, and sustainable tourism development, while engaging the diaspora and supporting economic growth.
The MOUs also cover digital transformation and artificial intelligence, focusing on improving government efficiency, effectiveness, and implementation capacity. In addition, the two countries issued a Joint Statement of Intent to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty, signaling readiness to begin formal discussions.
Officials stressed that the agreements express mutual intentions and are not legally binding. “All cooperation will be implemented gradually, transparently, and in accordance with available resources and national priorities,” the statement noted.
Belize also confirmed its intention to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched by President Ali in July 2025. The alliance is an open, non-binding platform that seeks to expand financial opportunities and cooperation by raising awareness of the biodiversity crisis and its linkages to climate change.
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