By Admin. Updated 6:46 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A face-to-face meeting will be held between Guyana’s President – Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – Nicolás Maduro on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement on Saturday (December 9) at a press conference at Cabinet Room.
This meeting is to address matters consequent upon the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Dr. Gonsalves said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the Pro Tempore President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States – CELAC, of which Guyana and Venezuela are members.
The move comes after Dr. Gonsalves sent a letter to both Mr. Maduro and Dr. Ali inviting them to attend the meeting in the capacity of CELAC members.
An invitation is also being extended to Brazil’s president – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Prime Minister Gonsalves said all the necessary arrangements are being put in place for the hosting of the meeting.
Both Venezuela and Guyana have been at odds over a section of Guyana called the Essequibo region.
Venezuela is claiming that the oil-rich region which makes up about two-thirds of Guyana belongs to Venezuela.
On December 3, 2023, Venezuela held a referendum where the vast majority of voters supported the Spanish-speaking country’s claim to the Esequiba (Essequibo in English).
In response, Guyana has rebuked the actions of pronouncements of Venezuela regarding the Essequibo and has called on Venezuela to adhere to international law.
Click here for more historical context on the issue.
International Expert Explains Guyana-Venezuela Border Issue.
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