Addressing the 81^st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this morning, President Irfaan Ali called on Venezuela to abide by the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) when it delivers its decision in 1899 Arbitral Award Case.

“We urge Venezuela to abide by the forthcoming ruling in accordance with their obligation under the UN Charter, as Guyana will do. We look forward to a new era of neighbourly relations in the interest of our peoples, the development of our countries and the stability and prosperity of our region,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

The ICJ is expected to rule on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award later this year or early next year, in the case that was filed by Guyana over Venezuela’s ongoing claims of Guyana’s Essequibo region.

President Ali told the global leaders that despite the historical truth outlined in the Arbitral Award of 1899 that determined the full, perfect and final settlement of Guyana’s border with Venezuela, Guyana has endured long and repeated provocations and aggression by Venezuela.

“Recourse to the ICJ came after decades of efforts to resolve the controversy bilaterally, including through a mixed commission and the Good Offices of the UN Secretary General. In full respect for international law, Guyana participated and encouraged Venezuela to participate in the proceedings of the ICJ. Now that we have both participated in the hearings which were completed in May 2026, we urge Venezuela to abide by the forthcoming ruling,” the President said.

President Ali’s address to the U.N General Assembly came one day after the acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodrigues called on Guyana to engage in negotiations to resolve the controversy.

Through its submissions to the ICJ earlier this year, Guyana believes a strong case was made for the 1899 Arbitral Award to be affirmed as valid and legally binding.

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