Guyanese President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks on January 6 to discuss matters including recent developments in Venezuela and broader issues affecting regional security in the Western Hemisphere.

According to a statement from Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Ali used the discussion to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to working closely with the United States, which he described as a strategic and important security partner for the region. 

He also commended the leadership of US President Donald Trump and Rubio in advancing shared principles of democracy, freedom, and regional stability.

During the conversation, Ali reiterated Guyana’s support for international efforts to combat transnational crime, including narcotics trafficking, gold smuggling and narco-terrorism. 

He emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law, democratic norms, and free and fair elections as essential pillars for peace and prosperity across the region.

The president also welcomed Rubio’s reaffirmation of continued US support for Guyana, particularly in relation to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Ali and Rubio agreed to remain engaged on the issues discussed and on other matters of mutual interest.

In a separate readout from the US State Department, Rubio praised President Ali’s leadership and Guyana’s growing role as a regional security partner. 

Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening bilateral security cooperation to address shared challenges, including illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking.

The statement noted that both leaders underscored the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, enhance border security, and disrupt transnational criminal networks that threaten regional stability and economic resilience.