United States reaffirms support for Guyana in territorial dispute with Venezuela

In a resolute display of solidarity, Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed unwavering support for Guyana in its ongoing territorial dispute with Venezuela. 

The high-stakes conversation unfolded as tensions between the two nations surged to new heights.

A pledge of unwavering support

During a recent phone call with Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Secretary Blinken made it reaffirmed that the United States stands behind Guyana’s claim to sovereignty. 

Read more:

• Guyana preparing to defend itself from Venezuela over disputed region
• Guyana condemns threats against sovereignty by Venezuela

A plea for peaceful resolution

Central to the conversation was Secretary Blinken’s appeal for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding dispute. 

“The Secretary reiterated the United States’ call for a peaceful resolution to the dispute and for all parties to respect the 1899 arbitral award determining the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana, unless, or until, the parties reach a new agreement, or a competent legal body decides otherwise,” a State Department readout of the phone call said.

International Court of Justice intervention

Secretary Blinken and President Ali also acknowledged the recent intervention of the International Court of Justice, which issued an order on December 1. 

The order explicitly called upon all parties to refrain from any actions that could further exacerbate or prolong the dispute.

A pledge of future collaboration

Furthermore, Secretary Blinken expressed anticipation about collaborating closely with Guyana after it assumed its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2024. 

This shared vision for future cooperation underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Guyana.

Guyana’s call for allies

President Ali has been actively reaching out to allies of Guyana in the wake of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s directive to state companies. 

Maduro’s order, which seeks to exploit the oil, gas, and mineral resources in the disputed region—a swath of land comprising two-thirds of Guyanese territory—has prompted Guyana to seek international support.

Defying International Court of Justice

Venezuelans recently approved a referendum that paves the way for the annexation of the disputed region, despite the International Court of Justice’s unequivocal order for Venezuela to refrain from any actions that could impede Guyana’s long-standing control and administration of the area.