Guyana – Conversation between Mme Colonna and the President of Guyana (12 December 2023)

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs spoke to the President of Guyana, Mr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, about recent developments in the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.

The Minister reiterated the importance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity being respected in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter. France calls on Venezuela to refrain from any unilateral action. The Minister also emphasized France’s commitment to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, including recourse to the International Court of Justice. She recalled that France calls on the parties to fully implement the ICJ’s decisions, particularly its order of 1 December 2023.

The Minister said France will continue lending its support to all regional and international initiatives promoting dialogue, including the extraordinary session convened by CELAC and CARICOM on Thursday 14 December, in the presence of the Venezuelan and Guyanese Presidents.

The conversation also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges and forthcoming major engagements in the Franco-Guyanese relationship. France welcomes Guyana’s election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and looks forward to cooperating in that body with its neighbour in the Guiana Shield.