The announcement conveyed through a letter from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, signals a crucial diplomatic effort to address the territorial complexities between the two nations.

The high-stakes bilateral meeting is slated to occur on December 14, 2023, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, providing a neutral ground for the leaders to engage in discussions. Prime Minister Gonsalves will play a pivotal role in facilitating the talks between Presidents Maduro and Ali.

Venezuela’s government said the meeting “is in order to preserve our aspiration to maintain Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace”.

The Office of the President of Guyana confirmed Ali had agreed to the meeting, but added, “Guyana’s land boundary is not up for discussion.”

The regional blocs of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are mediating to bring the parties together.