In a statement released by his spokesman, Guterres hailed the efforts made by Presidents Nicolás Maduro (Venezuela) and Irfaan Alí (Guyana) to solve their differences by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Thursday´s commitments reached in Argyle, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will lead to an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to good neighborly relations.

The UNSG commended the work of the governments of Brazil, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which holds the pro tempore presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and Dominica, at the head of the Caribbean Community, in this regard.

At the same time, Guterres welcomed the plans of both parties to meet afresh in Brazil in upcoming months.

The chief of the UN also insisted on not taking a position on the dispute, by recalling that the border dispute is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

After the meeting held on Thursday, both presidents confirmed their willingness to continue talking on any other pending matter of mutual importance for both countries.

According to the final declaration, any dispute between the States will be solved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

They also undertook to avoid threats – directly or indirectly – as well as the use of force against each other in any circumstances, including those arising from any existing dispute.

The signatories agreed to immediately establish a Joint Commission of the foreign and technical ministers of both nations to address the mutually agreed issues, and within three months the commission will present an update to the presidents of Guyana and Venezuela.

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