-by Shamiah Grant

President Dr. Irfaan Ali says the relationship between Guyana and the United States is built not on convenience, but on conviction, mutual respect, and shared democratic values.

The Head of State made the remarks on Thursday evening as he joined United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot and other dignitaries in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States.

Addressing the gathering at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, President Ali described the Guyana–U.S. relationship as one of the strongest partnerships between the two countries.

He said the enduring alliance is rooted in respect for the rule of law, international law, human rights, and Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President stressed that genuine friendship between nations is founded on mutual respect rather than subservience and said Guyana values the United States as a reliable and trusted partner.

“Our vision for the future is one in which the United States acts a s a reliable partner who respects the distinct path that each sovereign nation must walk, and we have found that reliability, we have found that trust and we have found that partnership,” he said.

President Ali also commended Ambassador Theriot and her team for their efforts in strengthening bilateral relations.

Highlighting the benefits of the partnership, he pointed to major U.S. support in Guyana’s healthcare sector, including collaborations with Mount Sinai and Northwell Health to modernize healthcare delivery through advanced technology, specialized training, improved standards, and the transformation of emergency medical services. The Head of State also underscored the importance of the security partnership between the two countries, describing it as a true alliance aimed at safeguarding peace, stability, and development.

“We seek to ensure that our Sovereignty and territorial integrity is respected by all and that our abandon resources, the blessings of our national inheritance are developed for the benefit of Guyanese free from external coercion or intimidation,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, U.S Ambassador, Nicole Theriot said the relationship between the two nations reflects America’s forward-looking vision and the belief that free nations working together can achieve far more than they can individually.

“Our security work in Guyana goes beyond signing and hosting high-level visits, we are implementing a communications enhancement project with the GDF that would boost their capability in land, air and water,” she said.

Additionally, through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the United States, she stated, continues to support training for the Guyana Police Force in criminal investigations, forensic laboratory procedures, and counternarcotics operations to enhance law enforcement capacity.