The governments of Guyana and Venezuela have reiterated their commitment to maintaining excellent relations following a recent meeting in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss Guyana’s submission to the United Nations Commission to extend its continental shelf.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and her Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro Moros, have agreed that their representatives will discuss issues related to Guyana’s submission, and report to their respective governments.
Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, signing the Joint Statement in the presence of Minister of External Relations of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Nicolas Maduro Moros.
This agreement was made following a one- day discussion between Rodrigues-Birkett and Moros in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. That meeting reviewed several matters of mutual interest, including the Good Officer process, a joint media release from the two parties stated.
The release said: “Both ministers recognise that the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between their two states remains an outstanding issue, and (both) agreed that such delimitation will require negotiations.” The release continued: “Recognising that the controversy in relation to the 1899 Arbitral Award about the frontier between Guyana and Venezuela still exists, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Geneva Agreement and the good officer process. The ministers recognised that this controversy is a legacy of colonialism, and must be resolved. The ministers briefed the personal representative of the United Nations Secretary General, (Good Officer) Professor Norman Girvan, on their discussions.” Both parties expressed satisfaction with the “excellent relations that have developed between the two states, and reiterated their commitment to maintaining that level of relations,” the release stated.
It was acknowledged that Guyana-Venezuela relations are at an historically high level, characterised by “respect, fraternity and solidarity.” Rodrigues- Birkett and Moros said Guyana and Venezuela need to develop cooperative projects in various areas, and as such must have consolidated integrated schemes through forums as the Union of South American States (UNASUR), Petrocaribe, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
That aside, the ministers agreed that cooperation in key areas will strengthen the bonds that unite the two countries beyond their legacy of division inherited from colonialism.
Guyana moved to have its continental shelf extended by a further 150 nautical miles some weeks ago, prompting Venezuela to express its discomfort on the issue. That country’s president, Hugo Chavez, stressing that he would not allow either country to create strife, he said both governments had agreed to handle their border dispute at “the highest level and in a very responsible manner.” Guyana recently stated that the Venezuelan government was fully aware of its plans to extend its continental shelf since May 13, 2009. According to Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, “Guyana, under cover of a note verbale, provided the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela with a copy of the preliminary information and data which Guyana submitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations.” If Guyana’s continental shelf is extended, the country would be able to reap many benefits, including seafood and oil that should be found in that region.
Venezuela has said that, should Guyana’s continental shelf be extended, their claim on the Essequibo would be seriously jeopardised.
Guyana has, however, said that submitting a claim for the extension of its continental shelf will in no way hinder Venezuela’s appeal for ownership of the county of Essequibo.
Venezuela has a claim on a large portion of Essequibo, and has stressed that it will continue advocating its pivotal interests in the firmest manner by means of internationally established dialogue.
Guyana’s neighbour to the west has maintained that it is committed to the Good Officer process of the United Nations General Secretariat in relation to its claims to a portion of the Essequibo.
