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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Guyana: Politics and Government

Question

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in (a) French Guiana and (b) Suriname on the situation in Guyana.

Answer

The UK is concerned by the recent steps taken by Venezuela, with respect to the Essequibo region of Guyana. The UK supports Guyana's territorial integrity. We believe the unilateral actions of Venezuela are unjustified and should cease. We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration.

We will continue to work with allies and partners in the region to ensure that the territorial integrity of Guyana is respected. I [Minister Rutley] have not discussed the situation with counterparts in Suriname or in France's overseas department of French Guiana. Our officials in Paris have been in contact with French counterparts.

As part of this extensive diplomatic engagement, I visited Guyana on 18 December to show UK support for its territorial integrity.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6996
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Politics and government Guyana South America
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk