“The Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace Between Guyana and Venezuela” consists of 11 declarations for not only peace but cooperation on relevant matters.

“Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States,” read the first declaration. The two parties agreed to adhere to the stipulations of International Law and previously signed treaties to solve their differences.

Additionally, a joint committee will be formed comprising the “Foreign Ministers and technical persons from the two States to address matters as mutually agreed.” Accordingly, an update of this joint committee will be submitted to the leaders of both countries “within three months.” Both parties also agreed to meet once more in Brazil three months from now, “or at another time, to consider any matter with implications for the territory in dispute.”

Guyana’s President Dr. Ifraan Ali, however, remains adamant that the Essequibo region belongs to his country.

“There is absolutely no retreat by Guyana in ensuring that this matter is determined by the ICJ and that the outcome of this matter be respected by all…the priority is peace and that every threat of force or the use of force must be denounced,” President Ali said in a press conference following the second leg of the talks.

Venezuela, however, does not accept that the International Court of Justice has jurisdiction to determine the accurate border of the Essequibo.