Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and French Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana Antoine Joly have signed a Letter of Intent which paves the way for enhanced cooperation between the GDF and the French Military.
The signing, according to the GDF, which preceded a period of deliberations on various security issues, took place on Thursday, April 15, at the Officers’ Mess, at Base Camp Ayanganna. Also present for the signing were senior GDF officers and members of a French Military delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal Xavier Buisson and French Director for Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America, Brigadier General Thomas Lorne, the GDF said.
Bess welcomed Ambassador Joly and the French delegation on behalf of Commander in Chief, President Irfaan Ali, and thanked them for agreeing to visit with the leadership of the GDF. He said that it was an opportune moment for the two militaries to engage in discussions that seek a pathway to definitive future cooperation and collaboration.
Joly noted that Guyana and France have shared goals with regard the security and stability in the Caribbean. “Thank you for your welcome. We are happy for this opportunity to have these discussions,” he said.
The French Armed Forces based in French Guiana are set to participate in EXERCISE TRADEWINDS which is scheduled to be hosted by Guyana in June.