Colombia's President-Elect and Guyana Agree on Energy, Security Alliance

Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo De La Espriella, held a phone call on July 4, 2026 with Guyana's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, agreeing to advance a strategic alliance focused on regional security, energy cooperation, and gas sector development Source: Portafolio; Infobae (EFE).

The Agreement

The two leaders explored cooperation in three areas: security, energy, and gas. De La Espriella views Guyana as a strategic partner for Colombia's energy sector, given Guyana's rapid growth in oil production Source: Portafolio. The alliance could bring "intercambio de conocimiento, inversión y asistencia técnica" (knowledge exchange, investment, and technical assistance) for Colombia's hydrocarbon revival Source: Infobae (EFE). In security, they agreed to strengthen regional coordination against transnational organized crime and drug trafficking Source: Infobae (Colombia).

Energy Context

De La Espriella has promised to restart hydrocarbon exploration and production, including through fracking, reversing the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro who halted new exploration contracts Source: Portafolio; Infobae (EFE). The call is part of De La Espriella's pre-inauguration international outreach ahead of his August 7 swearing-in Source: Infobae (Colombia).

What's Next

Both sides will work toward concrete agreements to leverage Guyana's offshore expertise and attract investment to Colombia Source: Portafolio. The alliance is also seen as a step toward Colombia regaining regional leadership under De La Espriella's "Patria Milagro" plan Source: Infobae (Colombia).