Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue 2024: Enhancing Security & Cooperation

The third Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue 2024 on Monday, April 29, 2024, was held at the Marriot Hotel, marking a concerted effort to formulate a Common Security Master Plan.

Attendees included Robeson Benn, Minister of Home Affairs, along with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other high-ranking officials from Guyana, France, Suriname, and Brazil.

Minister Benn emphasized the paramount importance of the dialogue, stressing its role as a platform for substantive discussions, collaborative endeavors, and strategic planning to fortify the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue framework. Notable areas of focus encompassed border management, counteracting illicit trafficking, maritime security, and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Acknowledging the shared objectives of the co-chairing countries – Brazil, France, and Suriname – Minister Benn underscored the necessity of leveraging collective efforts, innovation, and solidarity to navigate prevailing security challenges and anticipate emerging threats effectively.

Over the course of two days, participants are anticipated to engage in fruitful deliberations and bolster cooperation in technical and operational domains, including heightened joint land and sea patrol missions to combat illicit activities and serious crimes. Moreover, discussions will center on intensifying collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns and climate change-related security and defense implications, ensuring the preservation of peace and sustainable development conditions.

The Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue epitomizes a vital initiative that underscores the unwavering commitment of participating nations toward enhancing security and defense collaboration while championing sustainable development and environmental preservation across the region.

(Ministry of Home Affairs)