Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, has reaffirmed that the territorial dispute with Venezuela can only be resolved at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The President’s statement came after it was announced that he would meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on December 14 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The meeting, facilitated by the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and the former Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aims to reduce tensions between the two nations.

The President has made it clear that there will be no compromise on the matter, and it will be settled at the ICJ.

Representatives of the United Nations and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are expected to attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, President Ali assured Guyanese citizens that his administration is taking all necessary measures to ensure their safety and territorial integrity.

Joint military operations between Guyana and international partners, including the United States, will continue to respond to threats.

The President hopes that good sense will prevail, and Venezuela will refrain from issuing threats and taking steps that have the potential to destabilize peace in the area.

In addition, the President expressed his desire to see the dispute settled so that investments in the area can continue unimpeded by the threats from Venezuela.

The ongoing tension over the territorial dispute has been a cause for concern, and the President’s efforts to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels are commendable.