GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on Monday on recent developments in Venezuela and broader security and democratic challenges facing the Western Hemisphere, Guyana’s Foreign Ministry said.
The discussion focused on regional stability, democratic governance and deepening security cooperation between Guyana and the United States, which both sides described as a key strategic partnership.
According to a statement attributed to Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, President Ali commended U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio for reaffirming Washington’s commitment to freedom, democracy and regional security. Ali reiterated Guyana’s strong support for the rule of law, free and fair elections and the promotion of peace and prosperity across the region.
The president also underscored Guyana’s commitment to working closely with the United States as a major security partner, reaffirming support for joint efforts to combat transnational crime, including drug and gold smuggling and narco-terrorism.
Ali welcomed what the Foreign Ministry described as Rubio’s reaffirmation of continued U.S. support for Guyana, including cooperation in the defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a separate readout issued by the U.S. State Department, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio praised Ali’s leadership and Guyana’s growing role as a regional security partner contributing to hemispheric stability.
The State Department said the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral security cooperation to address shared challenges such as illicit narcotics and firearms trafficking, which it said threaten regional stability and economic resilience.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to disrupt transnational criminal networks and foreign terrorist organizations, while enhancing law enforcement capabilities and border security.
President Ali and Secretary Rubio agreed to remain engaged on the issues discussed and to continue cooperation on areas of mutual interest, the statements said.