Topic: 2024-The Situation in Guyana
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Naya Dike
Boundaries are never free of conflict, which is something that is very adamantly shown between Guyana and Venezuela. The underlying dispute over borders has been generational, dating back to the early 1800’s. In recent years, however, it has escalated due to natural resources within the Essequibo region that would be beneficial to both countries. Currently, this region is considered to be Guyana’s territory, but because of the abundance of oil found there in the past, Venezuela would like to have ownership over this region. But, because Guyana has become wealthy in oil and has a rapidly growing economy due to their ownership of the Essequibo region, they don’t plan on willingly giving up their land to Venezuela.
Previously, Saudi Arabia has shown support for Guyana. In 2023, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed loan agreements with Guyana through the Saudi Fund for Development that were worth $150 million. Later in the year, Irfaan Ali, president of Guyana, shared that he was working with Saudi Arabian leaders to invest $25 million into a facility focused in agriculture that would improve The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and their food production. Also, during 2023, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi crown prince, met with the Venezuelan president to discuss “diplomatic relations”.
Saudi Arabia acknowledges the ongoing conflict between the two nations of Guyana and Venezuela, and, as the top global exporter of oil, recognizes that the reluctance of Guyana to give up their control over the Essequibo region is very reasonable due to its benefits towards the nation’s development and economy. However, Saudi Arabia has relations with both Guyana and Venezuela, and, because of this, would not like to squander the alliances with these countries. Saudi Arabia will proceed to give diplomatic support and aid to both countries when they’re in need of it.
Works Cited
Revista, Cebri. “Notes on the History of the Venezuela/Guyana Boundary Dispute.” CEBRI Revista, cebri.org/revista/en/artigo/138/notes-on-the-history-of-the-venezuelaguyana-boundary-dispute#:~:text=The%20Venezuela%2FBritish%20Guiana%20boundary%20dispute%20went%20to%20arbitration%20in,that%20it%20is%20oil%20rich.
Stabroek News. “Guyana, Saudi Arabia Sign US$150m Financing MoU.” Stabroek News, 12 May 2023, www.stabroeknews.com/2023/05/12/news/guyana/guyana-saudi-arabia-sign-us150m-financing-mou.
Essaid, Salim A. “Venezuela’s Maduro Visit to Saudi Arabia Is Another Signal to US.” Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs Leading Independent News Source Since 2012, 6 June 2023, www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/06/venezuelas-maduro-visit-saudi-arabia-another-signal-us.
