The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in monitoring and safeguarding airspace, with a focus on countering illicit activities and improving situational awareness. Under the MoU, both countries will share expertise and build capacity to better detect and respond to threats.

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, described the partnership as an important step in advancing Guyana’s defence agenda. He noted that the agreement will enhance the GDF’s ability to protect the nation’s sovereignty and contribute to a safer, more secure region.

Commander of the Colombian Aerospace Force, General Luis Carlos Córdoba Avendaño, also emphasized the value of regional partnerships in addressing common challenges, highlighting the benefits of greater cooperation, information sharing, and coordination between the two nations.

The signing was witnessed by a high-level GDF delegation, including, the Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, the Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Lorraine Foster, Adjutant General, Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, Inspector General Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford and Colonel Administration and Quartering, Commander Roger Nurse. Also in attendance were Senior Officers of the Air Corps. Their attendance underscored Guyana’s commitment to strengthening defence capacity and regional partnerships.

The Colombian delegation included General Avendaño; Lieutenant Colonel Víctor Hugo Montes Castaño, Officer Air Liaison; and Colonel Miguel Andrés Gil Santacruz, Chief of the Office of International Affairs. Also present were Ambassador of Colombia to Guyana, Graybern Livingston, and Ambassador George Talbot, Director of the Multilateral and Global Affairs Department, reflecting the strong diplomatic support behind the agreement.

This MoU is expected to pave the way for technical exchanges, training opportunities, and the use of advanced systems in support of surveillance and rapid-response operations. For the GDF, it marks a milestone in its modernization efforts and its continuing role in safeguarding national and regional security. (GDF)