Guyana, China reaffirm commitment to international law, territorial integrity

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Hilton Todd, and China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Guyana and China.

The two ministers reiterated this commitment during a bilateral meeting on Monday, held on the sidelines of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Beijing, China.

Last month, Guyana expressed its displeasure over a statement by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Huang Rui, who suggested that Guyana and Venezuela “can resolve the border issue through friendly consultations and negotiations.”

In response, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reminding China of Guyana’s clear and consistent position that the border controversy is currently pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in accordance with the decision of the United Nations Secretary-General under the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

The ministry further highlighted the Argyle Declaration of December 14, 2023, which acknowledges Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ process for resolving the border dispute. It emphasized that, to avoid undermining the jurisdiction or authority of the Court as the appropriate forum for the resolution of this matter, Guyana will not engage in any discussions regarding issues already brought before the Court.

During Monday’s meeting, Ministers Todd and Wang also recognized the more than five decades of diplomatic relations between their countries, highlighting extensive areas of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Minister Todd reiterated Guyana’s dedication to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. He further emphasised the collective commitment of CELAC Member States to preserving this status, as reaffirmed in the declaration of the VIII Summit of Heads in March 2024.

The minister also voiced concern over the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti, stressing the urgent need for coordinated support, led by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to help the Haitian people rebuild and achieve sustainable peace and stability.

Both ministers concluded by expressing their support for multilateral trade governed by rules designed to promote a free and fair international trading system.