US Enhances Security Cooperation with Oil-Rich Guyana Amid Venezuelan Threats

During a diplomatic visit to the Caribbean, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to bolster security cooperation with oil-rich Guyana amid rising tensions with Venezuela, which has laid territorial claims against the nation. Rubio's discussions will focus on establishing a security framework similar to those the U.S. has with Gulf states, highlighting the importance of Guyana's security for regional stability. Additionally, U.S. Special Envoy Mauricio Claver-Carone emphasized the commitment to support Trinidad and Tobago in enhancing its energy security as it navigates challenges from Venezuela. Claver-Carone noted the historical context of Venezuela's PetroCaribe initiative, which he characterized as exploitative, marking a shift towards strengthening U.S.-Caribbean relations. The U.S. intends to invest in Guyana's oil production while ensuring necessary security measures are in place, reflecting a strategic interest in the region's energy resources. The discussions also encompass broader issues, including illegal immigration and transnational crime.