BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — Belize and Guyana have signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, while reaffirming their longstanding friendship and shared Caribbean values.

The agreements were signed as President Dr Irfaan Ali ends a three-day state visit to Belize on Tuesday with officials saying that these agreements reflect the shared commitment of both governments to peaceful collaboration, respect for sovereignty and practical cooperation that delivers benefits to their peoples while contributing to regional stability and development.

The MOU establish broad frameworks for collaboration in areas including defence and security cooperation, education and skills development, tourism development, and economic engagement. They are guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity, and non-interference, and are consistent with both countries’ national laws and regional obligations under the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

In the area of defence and security, the governments have agreed to enhance cooperation focused on capacity-building, information exchange, training, and dialogue to address shared challenges such as transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism and other emerging security threats. This cooperation is defensive in nature, non-binding and aimed at strengthening institutional capabilities while supporting peace and stability in the wider Caribbean region.

In education, the two Caricom countries have committed to expanding opportunities for scholarships, academic exchange and skills development, including access to digital learning platforms. These initiatives are intended to deepen people-to-people ties and invest in human capital for future generations.

The tourism cooperation framework seeks to promote joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing and sustainable tourism development, including opportunities for multi-destination travel, capacity-building and diaspora engagement, with the goal of supporting economic growth and cultural exchange.

The digital transformation and artificial intelligence framework seeks to improve government efficiency, effectiveness and implementation capacity.

In the area of investment, a Joint Statement of Intent to Negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty was issued signaling the readiness of Belize and Guyana to commence the process towards negotiation and successful conclusion of a bilateral investment treaty.

Together, these understandings form part of a broader effort by both governments to strengthen bilateral relations, encourage collaboration between institutions and promote inclusive and sustainable development in keeping with shared Caribbean priorities.

The two governments say that these agreements express mutual intentions to cooperate and do not create legally binding obligations.

“All cooperation will be implemented gradually, transparently and in accordance with available resources and national priorities.”

Belize has confirmed its intention to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance which was launched by the president of Guyana in July 2025. The alliance is an open, non-binding platform that seeks to expand financial opportunities and cooperation by raising awareness of the biodiversity crisis and its linkages to climate change.