Guyana and Venezuela to meet next week on border dispute

Guyana's President Irfaan Ali and President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro are to meet next week on the disputed Essequibo region.

A statement from the Office of the President in Guyana today said the parties will meet in St Vincent & the Grenadines on Thursday, December 14.

The talks will be observed by representatives from Brazil, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and a United Nations Under-Secretary General.

The meeting comes after Ali was contacted last evening by leaders representing Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil and several bilateral partners encouraging dialogue with Maduro.

Initially, Ali reiterated that Guyana's land boundary is not up for discussion, as it is currently before the International Court of Justice and, when adjudicated, will be fully respected by Guyana.

Approached today by the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines on a meeting with Maduro on Thursday, Ali has since agreed to the talks.

The statement said Ali will continue to engage Guyana's bilateral partners on defence cooperation pacts, as well as the ongoing range of political, social and economic arrangements.

“Guyana is clear that the advancement of our development agenda will not be compromised. Our development partners and investors can be assured that there will be no changes nor alterations to existing arrangements.

“Guyana has always been committed to international peace and security and the promotion of good neighbourly relations. Further, Guyana will not deviate from and will strictly adhere to the ICJ process in the resolution of the border controversy, and to ensuring that the region remains a Zone of Peace.”

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