GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — France has reaffirmed its support for Guyana in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela, saying Paris remains “particularly attached” to its partnership with the South American country amid shared regional challenges on the Guyana Shield.

In a letter to Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, marking Guyana’s 60th anniversary of independence from Britain, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated the Government and people of Guyana while underscoring the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

“France is particularly attached to its partnership with Guyana in light of the many regional challenges we share on the Guyana Shield, where we work together in support of peace, cooperation and respect for human rights,” Macron said.

Referring to the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the Essequibo region, Macron said France remains committed to respecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.

Venezuela claims ownership of the Essequibo, a mineral- and oil-rich territory spanning about 159,500 square kilometres and representing roughly two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass. The ICJ, which has already affirmed its jurisdiction in the matter, is expected to issue a ruling after both countries submitted memorials and completed oral hearings earlier this month.

Guyana approached the ICJ in 2018 seeking confirmation that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two countries, remains legally valid. Venezuela, which had accepted the award for decades, declared it null and void in 1962 and renewed its claim to the territory.

The dispute is being addressed under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which provides mechanisms for a peaceful resolution. After bilateral negotiations failed to settle the issue, the United Nations Secretary-General referred the matter to the ICJ.

In his letter, President Macron also noted that the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown last September had strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries.

“I sincerely hope that we will soon be able to conclude the various draft agreements currently under negotiation in the fields of justice, security and defence,” he said.