Army Chief engages Brazil’s Defence Ministry on issues of national security
Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, recently met with top officials of the Brazil Ministry of Defence in an aim at expanding and solidifying relations between the two nations.
The GDF, in a statement, detailed, “The purpose of this visit went beyond routine military exchanges and training, focusing instead on a strategic discourse aimed at expanding and solidifying relations between the two nations.”
In light of the recent aggression shown by Venezuela in its attempt to annex Essequibo, which is 2/3 of Guyana, this meeting marked a crucial step in diversifying the ties between Guyana and Brazil, taking those ties beyond conventional military cooperation.
Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, meeting with Brazil’s Ministry of Defence
Brigadier Khan also participated in discussions that explored new avenues for collaboration, emphasizing the shared interests and mutual benefits of a strengthened partnership.
“Brigadier Omar Khan’s involvement in this initiative underscores the commitment of the Guyana Defence Force to fostering positive and multifaceted relations with Brazil,” the GDF has stated.
In addition, the visit serves as a testament to the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in navigating the evolving landscape of international partnerships.
Ranks of the GDF and US Army during the exchange recently
Over the past few weeks, the Chief of Staff has had engagements with several high-profile military personnel from various countries. In fact, Khan recently hosted a Military Partners Day to recognize the invaluable support from esteemed international allies, and it saw military collaborators from France, the United States, Brazil, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada in attendance. The pivotal role played by these nations in enhancing the capabilities and fortitude of the Guyana Defence Force has been acknowledged.
Khan and a top brass of the Brazil Ministry of Defence
As part of the activity, several officers who have benefited from training opportunities facilitated by these partnerships conducted presentations that acknowledged the diverse areas of training received.
The event also emphasized the collaborative endeavours undertaken by the GDF alongside its international partners. Representatives from each collaborating nation were present, fostering diplomatic ties and deepening the understanding of shared objectives.
Brigadier Khan also recognised the unwavering commitment of these nations to fostering international cooperation and mutual assistance in defence and security matters.
Meanwhile, a few days ago, the leaderships of the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) met as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military-to-military partnership. The two military partners discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.
The SFAB Advisors stated, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defence Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”
GDF Chief of Staff and military officials from several countries during the Military Partner’s Day
On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey stated, “The last iteration of U.S. military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the 4 Engineers Battalion. The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment. As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force’s operational capabilities, but also the professional growth of individual members. The SFAB programme, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our nations. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the U.S. SFAB training on our force.”
The U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership, marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF, and focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.
