Belmopan — The governments of Guyana and Belize have agreed to a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation across priority areas, reinforcing longstanding ties rooted in shared Caribbean values and regional solidarity.
The understandings, concluded during engagements in Georgetown and Belmopan, outline frameworks for collaboration in defence and security, education and skills development, tourism, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and economic engagement. Officials said the arrangements are guided by mutual respect, equality, reciprocity and non-interference, and are consistent with national laws and obligations under CARICOM.
On defence and security, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation focused on capacity-building, information sharing, training and dialogue to address transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism and other emerging threats. The cooperation is defensive in nature, non-binding and intended to strengthen institutional capabilities while supporting peace and stability in the wider Caribbean.
In education, the MoUs provide for expanded scholarships, academic exchanges and skills development, including access to digital learning platforms, with an emphasis on strengthening people-to-people ties and investing in human capital.
The tourism framework promotes joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing and sustainable tourism development, including opportunities for multi-destination travel, capacity-building and diaspora engagement to support economic growth and cultural exchange.
A separate framework on digital transformation and artificial intelligence aims to improve government efficiency, effectiveness and implementation capacity. In addition, the two governments issued a Joint Statement of Intent to negotiate a bilateral investment treaty, signalling readiness to begin talks toward its conclusion.
Together, the agreements form part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral relations, encourage institutional collaboration and advance inclusive, sustainable development aligned with shared regional priorities. The governments emphasised that the MoUs express intentions to cooperate and do not create legally binding obligations; implementation will proceed gradually and transparently, subject to available resources and national priorities.
Belize also confirmed its intention to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched in July 2025 by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The alliance is a non-binding platform aimed at expanding cooperation and financing by raising awareness of the biodiversity crisis and its links to climate change.
Both governments said they look forward to continued engagement in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and regional integration.