(Reuters) – Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has expressed his “deep respect” for Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, according to a statement from Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, indicating a reduction in tensions over an area where Guyana is developing significant oil and gas reserves.
Diplomatic discussions between the two nations began in December, coinciding with a Venezuelan referendum that supported the incorporation of Essequibo, the region where Guyana is developing substantial oil and gas reserves.
Maduro held a meeting with Guyana’s Ambassador Richard Van West-Charles in Caracas on Tuesday, as stated in the Guyanese statement.
“President Maduro asked Ambassador Van West-Charles to convey a message of high regard to President Ali, expressing his deep respect for the President and the people of Guyana,” the statement reported.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a case regarding the border dispute between the two nations. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Maduro’s message to President Ali may indicate a potential ease in tensions.
(Reporting by Sabrina Valle; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman)
