UNITED STATES Secretary of State Mike Pompeo promised millions of dollars to Venezuelan exiles in neighbouring Guyana as he made it clear that Friday’s visit was linked to Washington’s bid to overthrow the Bolivarian government.

Stopping off on a speedy Latin American tour, he gave $5 million (£3.87m) to “assist” Venezuelans who have fled the country in a donation believed to be a cash boost to opponents of the democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro.

“I hope that co-operation between Guyana and the US will continue in this regard. Working together great things could be achieved,” he said. “Venezuela needs democracy and an end to the illegitimate Nicolas Maduro regime.”

The two nations signed deals on energy and infrastructure, along with an agreement on combating drug trafficking.

His visit came weeks after the inauguration of Guyana’s new President Irfaan Ali, who reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the Lima Group, a body established as part of the strategy to oust Mr Maduro.

Mr Pompeo led a US delegation to Suriname, Brazil, and Colombia, all key Washington allies in the region.

Earlier this year the US mobilised war ships off the Venezuelan coast soon after putting a bounty on Mr Maduro’s head.