Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, held a crucial meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, to discuss the ongoing developments in the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.
According to a briefing issued by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, during the meeting, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and expressed strong support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process.
Minister Todd reiterated Guyana’s dedication to achieving a peaceful, just, binding, and permanent settlement regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the course of the land boundary with Venezuela. He emphasized that the ICJ process represents a mutually agreed mechanism for resolving the dispute and underlined the importance of adhering to international law.
Mauro Vieira, representing Brazil, voiced his country’s unwavering support for the current ICJ process and the resolution of the controversy surrounding the 1899 Arbitral Award. He stressed Brazil’s commitment to peaceful boundary settlements and expressed respect for the ICJ as the appropriate venue for this issue. Brazil eagerly awaits the ICJ’s final verdict, especially since the matter was referred to the court by the United Nations Secretary-General.
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Minister Todd also reiterated the position articulated by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, emphasizing Guyana’s irrevocable commitment to the ICJ settlement process. He stated that Guyana remains open to discussions with Venezuela on any subject of mutual interest, except for the ongoing controversy related to the 1899 Arbitral Award.
Furthermore, Minister Todd debunked any false narratives being spread by Venezuela and reaffirmed that there are no intentions by Guyana or any other state to establish a military base within Guyana’s territory. The escalation came as a result of Guyana’s recent offshore bid round.
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Minister Vieira emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among countries in the region to advance the integration agenda effectively.
In addition to discussing the border dispute, the two Foreign Ministers explored ideas to enhance bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil and explored opportunities for collaboration at the multilateral level. Their meeting exemplified the shared commitment of both nations to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law, and regional cooperation.
