Nicolás Maduro and Irfaan Ali, leaders of Venezuela and Guyana, met in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in a bid to ease tensions over the long running Essequibo dispute. The dialogue marked a cautious opening toward possible collaboration on a region that is rich in hydrocarbons and minerals on paper, spanning around 160,000 square kilometers. Both sides signaled a commitment to dialogue, with Miraflores Palace describing the talks as a step toward resolution that centers on understanding, respect, and free from interference while prioritizing the welfare of their peoples.
Ali stressed that residents of the Hagley region remain hopeful for peaceful coexistence. Georgetown, for its part, maintained that the dispute must be settled by the International Court of Justice rather than through bilateral talks alone, and emphasized that Essequibo itself was not up for discussion at this stage.
The encounter, anticipated with a mix of hope and concern, was organized by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves within the Caricom framework. The gathering drew participation from Brazil, which supports dialogue, and the EU ambassador, along with a representative from the United Nations. Visuals from the meeting captured a moment of tentative interaction between Ali and Maduro, with a sober exchange that conveyed cautious optimism.
Upon arrival, Maduro spoke of a mandate from the Venezuelan people to pursue dialogue and to defend national rights. He described the moment as a pledge of peace and a reminder that dialogue must be the vehicle for safeguarding the country’s interests. This follows a recent decision by the Miraflores Palace to place Essequibo on a new map and to deploy a military unit near the disputed area, actions that escalated tensions in Georgetown, particularly with visible support from the United States and Britain. Ali later affirmed that government projects, including ventures with Exxon Mobil and its next partner Chevron, would not be jeopardized, and that only the China National Petroleum Corporation would be involved in related activities. Guyana’s oil-driven growth is expected to remain robust, with projections suggesting output could reach about 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027. Ali underscored that no license or privilege could be granted in Guyana’s sovereign territory without due process. He also noted that in a recent interview with NBC News, Maduro was labeled harshly by some, calling him a criminal who acted carelessly.
#Photograph | The handshake symbolized Venezuela and Guyana’s willingness to sustain dialogue aimed at resolving the Essequibo dispute. The image circulated by Presidential Press offered a succinct snapshot of the moment.
— Presidential Press
Negotiation perspectives
Experts treated the meeting as a positive gesture without expectations of a quick settlement. One analyst suggested that a direct remark by Guyana admitting ongoing ICJ proceedings would not derail negotiations but could shape the approach. Another observer, a former Venezuelan ambassador to Georgetown, argued that Caracas should concentrate on building a robust argument for the ICJ hearing next spring and should rely on both national and international advisors. The sentiment reflected concerns about the odds of a favorable ruling, especially if arguments were not aligned with established precedents.
The dispute has unfolded with notable twists, including a popular consultation in Venezuela that approved a more expansive national map. In response, the Miraflores Palace ordered adjustments to the national depiction and signaled military readiness near the contested zone. The international position has remained delicate, with the Hague tribunal having previously urged both sides to refrain from actions that could worsen the situation while the ICJ process proceeds.
Ali reiterated his stance as he arrived at the talks, a point reflected by Guyanese media coverage. On December 1, the international court order urged Venezuela to avoid measures that would alter the current situation in Essequibo and called for actions that would not aggravate or prolong the dispute while the court’s deliberations continue.