G7 condemns Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s maritime space

The G7 Foreign Ministers have strongly condemned Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s maritime space, describing the aggression as “unacceptable” and a violation of Guyana’s internationally recognised sovereignty.

In a joint statement issued after their 12–14 March meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with the High Representative of the European Union—reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the territorial integrity of all nations.

“We also agreed that Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognised sovereign rights,” the statement read.

It further emphasised: “We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.”

Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s waters on 1 March sparked widespread international and regional condemnation.

The Commonwealth of Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of American States (OAS), the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the United States, and the United Kingdom have all voiced strong support for Guyana’s sovereignty and its right to defend itself against aggression.

Domestically, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), along with several political parties and prominent organisations, have strongly denounced Venezuela’s actions.

The US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs has warned that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration could face consequences if it continues its intimidation tactics, particularly those targeting oil and gas assets in Guyana’s Stabroek Block.

On 1 March 2025, at approximately 7:00 am, the Venezuelan naval vessel ABV Guaiquerí PO-11 (IMO 469552) entered 700 metres into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone near oil production sites and accused ship captains of unauthorised operations.

In response, the Government of Guyana reaffirmed that all activities within its Exclusive Economic Zone are legal and conducted within internationally recognised maritime boundaries. The 1899 Arbitral Award established the border between British Guiana and Venezuela, affirming that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

Guyana maintains that it is the sole authority over the Essequibo region, pending a final ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

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