Statement
December 15, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
“Canada has been closely monitoring recent developments following the consultative referendum on the Essequibo region that took place in Venezuela on December 3, 2023, and has been deeply concerned by growing tensions in the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana. Canada stands with the Guyanese people and government in calling for the application of and respect for international law and strongly supports Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“Canada salutes the diplomatic efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) members in hosting a dialogue between the presidents of Guyana and Venezuela in Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on Thursday, December 14, as well as the mediation role played by Brazil and the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“Canada reaffirms its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and seeks a peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the dispute at the International Court of Justice. Canada recognizes Thursday’s dialogue as a productive step toward maintaining peace and security in the region and commends all efforts to keep channels of dialogue open in this regard.”
Media Relations Office, Global Affairs Canada
Background
The border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela is a long-standing issue that has escalated recently. The disputed area is the Essequibo region, which is rich in oil and minerals. The current border was established by the Paris Arbitral Award in 1899, but Venezuela renewed its claim in 1962 and the matter was referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018. The stakes were raised in September 2023, when Guyana granted drilling licenses in the disputed waters, and again in December 2023, when a Venezuelan referendum suggested forming a new Venezuelan state in the Essequibo region.
The UWI recently held a Vice Chancellor’s Forum “Guarding Sovereignty” to explore some of the complex issues in the dispute.
You can watch the full video on UWITV.
On December 14, 2023 the leaders of Guyana and Venezuela agreed to de-escalate tensions and refrain from using any force, directly or indirectly, against one another in any circumstances, including the territorial dispute. The two countries have also committed to peace and lowering border-dispute tensions. Read more about the leaders’ meeting and read the full statement.