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Belize to join Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance
…as countries sign series of MoUs
(Kaieteur News) – The Governments of Guyana and Belize have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across several key sectors, including defence and security, education, tourism, digital transformation and investment.
The agreements were signed on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Belize where President Irfaan Ali is on a three-day official visit. As part of the engagement, Belize also confirmed its intention to join Guyana’s Global Biodiversity Alliance which was launched last year. 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.
President Irfaan Ali (2nd left) and Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño (left).
According to a joint statement, the MoUs establish broad frameworks for cooperation guided by principles of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity and non-interference, and are consistent with both countries’ national laws and obligations under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
In the area of defence and security, Guyana and Belize agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity-building, information sharing, training and dialogue to address shared challenges such as transnational organised crime, drug trafficking and other emerging security threats. The cooperation is described as defensive in nature and non-binding.
The education agreement focuses on expanding opportunities for scholarships, academic exchanges and skills development, including access to digital learning platforms, with the aim of strengthening people-to-people ties and investing in human capital.
Tourism cooperation will centre on joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing and sustainable tourism development, including multi-destination travel opportunities, capacity-building and diaspora engagement to support economic growth and cultural exchange.
The two countries also signed an MoU on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, intended to improve government efficiency, effectiveness and implementation capacity.
In addition, a Joint Statement of Intent to Negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty was issued, signalling readiness by both governments to commence negotiations towards a formal investment agreement.
It was stated that 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 Governments of Guyana and Belize emphasise that these MoU express mutual intentions to cooperate and do not create legally binding obligations. Notably, all cooperation will be implemented gradually, transparently, and in accordance with available resources and national priorities.
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