Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Guyana aims to establish a security partnership amidst growing Venezuelan territorial claims, focusing on oil production enhancements and regional stability.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Guyana to extend security assurances amid growing tensions with Venezuela, which is asserting territorial claims. Following a decade of significant oil discoveries, Guyana is on track to become the world’s leading oil producer on a per capita basis. The visit will include the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance security cooperation, a move aligned with the US strategy in the Gulf Arab nations.
As part of his itinerary, Rubio will engage with Caribbean nations in Jamaica before proceeding to Suriname, also experiencing an uptick in oil production. The US administration envisions a protective partnership with Guyana similar to that of oil-rich nations in the Gulf, aimed at countering threats from Venezuela. Mauricio Claver-Carone, the US special envoy on Latin America, indicated that addressing Venezuela’s aggression is a significant priority for the US government.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has advocated for deeper defense ties with the United States, particularly through collaborative maritime patrols. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has laid claim to the Essequibo region, encompassing the bulk of Guyana and its oil reserves. Recent tensions have escalated following Venezuela’s military vessel entering Guyanese waters, a claim which Venezuela denied.
The Trump administration aims to boost oil production due to its economic and security relevance, opposing former President Biden’s push for renewable energy. ExxonMobil, leading oil production in Guyana, projects to achieve a gross output of 1.3 million barrels daily by 2030. This output would far exceed Venezuela’s declining production due to historical mismanagement and current US sanctions.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana highlights the United States’ commitment to bolstering security cooperation with the newly oil-rich nation amid threats from Venezuela. With projected significant oil production increases, Guyana positions itself strategically in the region. The collaborative defense efforts signify not only an economic alliance but also a determined stance against regional adversities, particularly from Venezuelan claims over the Essequibo region.
Original Source: www.albianews.com
