Canadian Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, expressed his support for Guyanese territorial integrity and sovereignty on his first trip to Georgetown. Likewise, he said that Canada hopes for a “peaceful and diplomatic” agreement in the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo.
“Rest assured that Canada supports the territorial integrity of Guyana. And, as in any dispute, we hope for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this matter,” he told reporters in Georgetown, before the start of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit, EFE reported.
Hussen affirmed that the Government of Canada is “concerned” by the current tensions between Georgetown and Caracas over the Essequibo and urges “respect for international law.”
The statements by the Canadian Minister of International Development came after the signing of an agreement for a sovereign lending program between Guyana and Canada.
The meeting of Caribbean leaders began this Sunday with the single market, the climate crisis and food security as the main topics on the agenda.
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**Interview with Dr. Maria Torres, Expert in International Relations, on Venezuela’s Commitment to the Esequibo Agreement with Guyana**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Torres. Thank you for joining us to discuss Venezuela’s recent reaffirmation of its agreement with Guyana regarding the Esequibo region. Can you start off by explaining the significance of this agreement?
**Dr. Torres:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. The Esequibo region has been a long-standing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana. The significance of Venezuela’s reaffirmation of this agreement lies in its commitment to a diplomatic resolution rather than escalating tensions. This is essential for both nations, as it helps maintain peace and stability in a region that has faced various geopolitical challenges.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Some observers believe that reaffirming the agreement could bolster diplomatic ties between the two countries. Do you agree?
**Dr. Torres:** Yes, I do. Diplomatic discourse is critical in this context. By reaffirming the agreement, Venezuela is demonstrating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Guyana. This can pave the way for more collaborative efforts, whether in terms of trade, energy exploration, or addressing broader regional issues. It signals that both countries can put aside their differences for mutual benefit.
**Editor:** What impact do you think this will have on the local populations in both Venezuela and Guyana?
**Dr. Torres:** For the local populations, a peaceful resolution to the dispute would provide greater security and possibly lead to economic opportunities. Both countries can focus on development projects rather than military confrontations. However, it will require clear communication from both governments to ensure that citizens understand the importance of cooperation.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you see as the next steps for Venezuela and Guyana in this dialogue?
**Dr. Torres:** The next steps should involve re-engaging in negotiations, possibly under the auspices of an international body like the United Nations or the Organization of American States. Both countries need to outline a roadmap that includes confidence-building measures and timelines for discussions. Regular communication channels would also be vital to prevent misunderstandings and promote transparency.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights. It’s a complex issue, but your perspective sheds light on the potential for positive outcomes in the region.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution that benefits both countries and their citizens.