9th Political Dialogue: EU reaffirms support for ICJ in resolving Essequibo border controversary

Guyana and the European Union (EU) held its ninth Political Dialogue late last month, 2024, in Georgetown with a meeting, which took place under the framework of the Samoa Agreement, a partnership agreement between the EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), marked an important milestone in the growing relationship between Guyana and the EU.
Guyana’s delegation was led by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd alongside senior officials from the Ministry. The EU delegation was headed by ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, René van Nes, with the participation of senior representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Delegation, as well as Jean-Jacques Forté, the French Chargé d’affaires to Guyana.
In a joint statement released on Monday, it was stated that the discussions reaffirmed the value of the Political Dialogue as a key platform for strengthening bilateral relations, addressing shared global challenges, and supporting multilateralism. Both sides underscored their mutual commitment to upholding international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and advancing democratic governance.

In light of the ongoing political and economic changes, both parties reaffirmed their dedication to deepening cooperation. They acknowledged Guyana’s current membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2024-2026 term and expressed satisfaction with the progress made over the past 52 years of bilateral relations.
One key focus of the dialogue was the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Minister Todd and ambassador Van Nes emphasised the importance of leveraging the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and food security, forest preservation, health, renewable energy, and digital connectivity. Both sides recognised these areas as critical to promoting shared prosperity and sustainability.
The dialogue also addressed pressing global issues, particularly the need for enhanced action on climate change. Both parties committed to strengthening their cooperation on climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, including initiatives like the Global Biodiversity Alliance. Recognising the vulnerabilities of certain regions, they called for more ambitious environmental protection measures.
The situation in Haiti was another major topic, with the EU acknowledging Guyana’s leadership in promoting peace and stability in the region. The discussions highlighted the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, particularly in areas such as the Middle East and Ukraine, where both sides shared concerns over ongoing crises.
A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to security matters, including issues related to the Essequibo region of Guyana. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of upholding the United Nations (UN) Charter, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensuring peaceful dispute resolution. The EU reiterated its support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the appropriate forum to resolve the territorial dispute over Essequibo.
The joint statement also noted that the dialogue also underscored the growing significance of EU-Guyana relations, with the announcement of the upcoming opening of a French Embassy in Guyana in 2025. This reflects the EU’s strengthened commitment to its partnership with the Caribbean region, especially with the upcoming 4th EU–CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Summit in Colombia in 2025.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the ninth Political Dialogue and reiterated their commitment to continued cooperation. They agreed to schedule the next dialogue session before the end of 2025 and to establish a coordination mechanism within the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure the effective monitoring of initiatives and progress.
As both nations look to build on their partnership, this dialogue represents a crucial step in addressing shared challenges, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.