President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized the need for defense strategies to consider climate change impacts in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The President made the statement while delivering a presentation at the National Defence University in Washington, DC this afternoon.

He explained that in addition to climate security, food and energy security must also be prioritised when developing defence strategies.

He also said that among the most important aspects of future defence and strategy will be research, development and innovation.

The Head of State was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd; the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond; Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan.