U.S. and Guyana deepen security and counter-narcotics cooperation
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau inks the agreement with Guyana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd (Photo: Office of the President/ August 11, 2026)
Key Points(5)
- The United States and Guyana have agreed to deepen cooperation on security and counter-narcotics efforts, with U.S.
- Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warning that organized crime is an increasing threat across the region.
- The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday aimed at strengthening their existing security cooperation and expanding joint efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other security challenges.
- Guyana President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing at the Office of the President in Georgetown.
- The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Landau.
The United States and Guyana have agreed to deepen cooperation on security and counter-narcotics efforts, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warning that organized crime is an increasing threat across the region.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday aimed at strengthening their existing security cooperation and expanding joint efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other security challenges.
Guyana President Irfaan Ali witnessed the signing at the Office of the President in Georgetown. The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd and Landau.
“We signed a memorandum of understanding today for cooperation in the security and counter-narcotics area,” Landau said.
The agreement followed talks between Landau and Ali that focused largely on economic development and security, which Landau described as key areas in the growing relationship between Washington and Georgetown.
“I think those of you in Guyana are aware that organized crime has been increasing in this area,” Landau said. “This is a tricky neighborhood and the United States faces the same security threats from these organized criminal groups as does Guyana.”
Guyana, located on South America’s northern Atlantic coast, sits near major narcotics trafficking routes connecting South America with the Caribbean and North America. The country has increasingly sought international partnerships to strengthen its capacity to address security threats.
Landau said the shared nature of those threats makes closer cooperation between the two countries important.
“It’s natural for us to want to work together to make sure that these criminal groups and these drug smugglers do not put down roots in Guyana and start sending drugs into this country that will destroy the beautiful families of Guyana and the social harmony that you have here,” he said.
Landau had earlier identified combating organized crime and disrupting narcotics trafficking as common priorities for Washington and Georgetown.
“We have many common interests in fighting organized crime and stopping drug flows in this region,” he said.
The new MoU is intended to build on the countries’ longstanding security partnership, including existing cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficking.
Landau also framed security cooperation as part of a broader U.S.-Guyana relationship focused on regional stability and economic prosperity. He said a more secure environment could help strengthen investor confidence and support economic growth.
“We see Guyana as a key strategic partner,” Landau said.
The signing was attended by senior Guyanese and U.S. officials, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Ashni Singh, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Foreign Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot.
The agreement comes as Guyana continues to expand its international security partnerships while seeking to protect its growing economy and address the risks posed by regional narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
