–Jagdeo says Chinese diplomat disregarded Guyana’s national position on border controversy with Venezuela

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has deemed Huang Rui, the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China’s recent statements regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy as “improper and out-of-place”, and evidence of a lack of regard for Guyana’s national position.

The Vice-President, who also serves as the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s General Secretary, made these remarks during a press conference on Thursday at the party’s headquarters.

“For the Charge to now say we have to go back to bilateral discussions is improper and out-of-place,” Jagdeo said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a statement issued on Thursday, rejected the statement made on April 16 2025 by the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China that Guyana and Venezuela “can solve the border issue through friendly consultations and negotiations”.

The Government has made it very clear that the matter is pending before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by way of the decision of the United Nations Secretary General, in accordance with the parties’ 1966 Geneva Agreement on settlement of the controversy.

The ministry explained that the Argyle Declaration of December 14, 2023 recognises “Guyana’s assertion that it is committed to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the resolution of the border controversy…”

The ministry further stated: “To that end, and in order not to undermine the jurisdiction or authority of the Court as the appropriate forum for the resolution of this controversy, Guyana will not engage in discussion of any matter that has been brought before the Court.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken note that there has been no comment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the blatant announcement by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that it intends to conduct elections on 25 May, 2025 for a governor and legislative council of ‘Guayana Esequiba State’, which is the name Venezuela as given to Guyana’s Essequibo region. This is a clear violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The principles of international law and mutual respect will continue to guide the actions of the Government of Guyana in its interactions with all member states of the international community.”