On Mar. 1, a Venezuelan Coast Guard patrol ship entered Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and wrongly stated that Guyana’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO) was on Venezuelan territory.
Guyana promptly made a formal complaint, referencing the 1899 border agreement designated by the Washington Treaty of Arbitration, which established ownership of each territory.
The disputed territory, known as the Essequibo region, is rich in resources and highly sought after by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who would benefit from the oil.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali contacted Guyana’s allies and partners — the UK, France, U.S., Regional Security System (RSS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) — and has been met with support. He remained firm on his stance against Venezuela’s actions, issuing an official statement.
“We will continue to pursue diplomatic solutions, but we will not tolerate threats to our territorial integrity. Our security and foreign affairs teams are fully engaged, and we are closely monitoring all developments. I want to assure the people of Guyana that your Government is acting with diligence and resolve.”
