Latest update January 26th, 2025 8:45 AM
Latest News
- Oil money not guaranteed next year- VP Jagdeo
- APNU, AFC say committed to talks towards Coalition for 2025 elections
- Four Israeli soldiers, 200 Palestinians released under Gaza truce deal
- Stray dogs captured by police after killing sheep
- EPA, other Govt. agencies meet to address gas cylinder related explosions
‘Stable environment key to development of oil, other sectors’ – Foreign Minister Todd
– says Govt. committed to ICJ process for Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case, to meet with Suriname on border issue
By: Renay Sambach
Kaieteur News- During the first day of the 2025 Budget Debate, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd stressed the vital role of diplomacy in fostering a stable environment for the development of critical industries, particularly the hydrocarbons sector.
The minister’s comments come in light of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case that is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Venezuela has long-claimed Guyana’s mineral resource rich Essequibo region which is more than one-third of the country.
Minister Todd underscored that the government remains cognizant of the fact that for Guyana’s economic prospects to be fully realized, its relations with bordering countries must be carefully managed. “Especially those which harbor ambitions to the very territory we need to develop,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd
The minister added, “Guyana’s diplomacy would therefore be at the forefront of the efforts aimed at ensuring a positive and stable environment for the development of critical industries, including the hydrocarbon and related sectors, during this year and the next few years, as we seek to move our country forward in this regard, in fulfillment of the mandate to protect and preserve Guyana’s territorial integrity.”
Notably, American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods had made it clear that the company is unfazed by the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. During an interview at the CERAWeek by S&P Global in 2024, Woods asserted that the border controversy won’t hinder the oil giant’s activities in the region, particularly in the Stabroek Block which is estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil.
In his address, Minister Todd outlined the Foreign Ministry’s role in executing President Irfaan Ali’s foreign policy mandate, which includes the protection of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He detailed a three-pronged approach to address Venezuela’s claims to Guyana’s territory: lobbying for international support, advancing the case before the ICJ, and sensitising local and international communities on the case.
“In relation to the claims by Venezuela, there are systematic approaches made to individual states as well as critical international organizations and bodies, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, United Nations Security Council, and the OAS, to name a few,” Todd explained.
He said those efforts aim to garner support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Moreover, the minister underscored Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ proceedings. “On December 9, 2024 Ghana submitted to the ICJ its final written brief on the merits in the case against the Bolivian republic of Venezuela. Venezuela will have the opportunity to respond to Guyana’s reply with its rejoinder due on the 8th of August this year, the court will, in due course, set a date for the oral hearings,” Minister Todd said.
Todd reiterated that the Government of Guyana welcomes Venezuela’s participation in the legal process.
Moreover, on Guyana’s relations with Suriname, Minister Todd highlighted ongoing efforts to address unresolved border issues through the accumulation and analysis of historical documents. Preparations are also underway for a meeting of the Guyana-Suriname Border Commission this year.
“We reaffirmed the commitment of our two countries to pursue the greed initiatives within the strategic dialog and Cooperation Platform, or the SDCP, several issues of mutual benefit to both sides were discussed, including the bridging of the Corentyne River,” he noted.
Notably, Minister Todd underscored the importance of keeping the public and diplomatic corps informed about Guyana’s border strategy. “The ministry will continue to employ several multimedia avenues to disseminate information on Guyana’s borders. In this regard, our diplomats, both at home and abroad, are continually briefed on the strategy of the government and the role they play in carrying out this strategy,” he said.
(‘Stable environment key to development of oil, other sectors’ – Foreign Minister Todd)
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A comedy of evasiveness starring Jagdeo
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, is a man who revels in the art of evasion. He... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
