Workers from GV Construction pose with T-shirts bearing the message "Essequibo is Guyana" and the country's flag in the village of Matthew's Ridge in Essequibo, Guyana, in May. Venezuela's claims to Essequibo, a disputed territory administered by neighboring Guyana, are a source of concern for business leaders in the region. File Photo by Nazima Raghubir/EPA
Oct. 8 (UPI) -- During the opening ceremony of the French Embassy in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali said his country was ready to accept the France's offer of technological assistance -- including land and maritime radar systems -- to monitor Venezuela's movements amid pressure over the Essequibo region.
At the event Saturday, Ali confirmed that Guyana and France are cooperating on defense and security at both the bilateral and regional levels. He said the partnership was developed in response to existing security challenges.
"Guyana and France are united by respect for democracy, human rights and each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Together, through our working group, we are advancing cooperation in defense, security, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism," Ali said.
He added that in 2026, "we will launch a very important national asset, and of course, our dialogue is moving toward a package of essential elements to maintain stability in our region."
