GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – President Dr. Irfaan says neighboring Venezuela has no need to fear any aggression from Guyana as the country pursues bonafide partnerships with foreign partners.
In an invited comment, Ali reiterated that Guyana has no ambitions or intentions to covet any other country’s territory.
“We are fully committed to peaceful relations with our neighbors and all countries in our Region. Guyana remains fully steadfast in promoting and advancing peace while pursuing national development,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Venezuela raised concerns about an incoming British offshore patrol vessel; in commenting on the issue, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at his weekly press conference, said Guyana has no plans to take “offensive action” and that joint engagements with the British were planned long ago.
President Ali echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Guyana has long been engaged in partnerships with regional and international states aimed at enhancing internal security.
“These partnerships pose a threat to no one and are in no way intended to be aggressive or constitute an offensive act against any State,” he said.
He also offered his best wishes to the people of Venezuela and emphasized that they have nothing to fear from activities within Guyana’s sovereign territory or waters.
The two countries have a border controversy squarely before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
However, Guyana and Venezuela recently committed to the Argyle Declaration, a joint pronouncement issued by Guyana and Venezuela following a meeting of Presidents Dr Irfaan Ali and Nicolas Maduro in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
They agreed that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.
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