The Presidents of Guyana and Suriname have expressed their commitment to work towards a peaceful solution to the centuries old border dispute between the two countries.
Speaking at a joint press conference in The Bahamas, where the 22nd Meeting of Heads of Government and State of the Caribbean Community is being held, President Jagdeo of Guyana and President Runaldo Venetiaan of Suriname pledged to work towards a peaceful solution to the dispute.
President Jagdeo stressed that with the many challenges facing both countries, neither can afford to continue directing resources towards the border issue and they must work towards a peaceful solution.
“There has never been any trouble between the Guyanese and the Surinamese people,” said President Jagdeo.
He added that since his Surinamese counterpart assumed the leadership of his country, there have been positive signals in the negotiating process.
I am hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement that will be beneficial to both our countries,” President Jagdeo added.
President Venetiaan said the favourable position in which he found himself, in terms of the Guyana/Surinam border dispute, was due in a great part due to the efforts of his predecessor. Dr Jules Widjenbosch
“The atmosphere is different now and this is good in terms of us working towards finding a solution to the problem,” said President Venetiaan.
The Suriname President revealed that a significant part of working towards a peaceful solution to the border dispute is that of ensuring that Suriname does not grant permission for oil drilling in the disputed area.
He stressed that a peaceful atmosphere must prevail and for his part, he has refused to grant permission for any drilling for oil in the disputed area.
The centuries old border dispute between Guyana and Suriname flared up in the year 2000 and both sides engaged in intense negotiations, which resulted in a commitment on both sides to work towards finding a peaceful solution to the problem.
