Guyana and Belize on Monday deepened their bilateral relationship with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation in key areas including security, education, tourism, digital transformation, and investment.
The agreements reaffirm the two CARICOM states’ long-standing diplomatic ties and shared commitment to peaceful cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and regional integration. Officials said the initiatives are designed to deliver practical benefits to citizens while supporting stability and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
Under the new arrangements, Guyana and Belize agreed to enhance defence and security cooperation through capacity-building, training, information exchange, and dialogue. The cooperation will focus on addressing common challenges such as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other emerging security threats. Both governments emphasized that the security framework is defensive in nature, non-binding, and intended to strengthen institutional capabilities rather than create military obligations.
In education, the MoUs outline plans to expand scholarships, academic exchanges, skills development programmes, and access to digital learning platforms. These initiatives aim to strengthen people-to-people ties and build human capital to support long-term national and regional development.
Tourism cooperation will focus on joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of sustainable tourism, including opportunities for multi-destination travel, capacity-building, and diaspora engagement. Officials said the framework is intended to stimulate economic growth while encouraging cultural exchange between the two countries.
Guyana and Belize also agreed on a framework to advance digital transformation and artificial intelligence, with a focus on improving government efficiency, service delivery, and implementation capacity.
In the area of investment, the two governments issued a Joint Statement of Intent to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty, signalling readiness to begin formal discussions toward a treaty aimed at promoting and protecting cross-border investment.
Both governments stressed that the MoUs reflect mutual intentions to cooperate and do not create legally binding obligations. Implementation will proceed gradually and transparently, in line with national priorities, available resources, and CARICOM commitments.
As part of the expanding partnership, Belize confirmed its intention to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, an open and non-binding initiative launched by Guyana’s President in July 2025. The Alliance seeks to raise awareness of the global biodiversity crisis and mobilize financial opportunities linked to climate action and environmental protection.
Officials from both countries said the agreements form part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations and promote inclusive, sustainable development rooted in shared Caribbean values.
Guyana and Belize expressed confidence that continued engagement and collaboration will further deepen friendship, solidarity, and regional cooperation in the years ahead.
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