Former United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has joined in the condemnation of the recent incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s waters, where US oil major ExxonMobil is conducting oil operations.
“America First means not letting thugs like Venezuela’s [Nicolás] Maduro put American interests at risk and violate Guyana’s sovereignty,” Pompeo said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
At about 07:00h on Saturday, March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, identified as ABV Guaiquerí PO-11 (IMO 4695542), entered Guyana’s waters and approached a tanker near the Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) that is operating in the Stabroek Block, Offshore Guyana, by ExxonMobil.
Via a transmitted radio message, the Venezuelan vessel informed the FPSO that it was operating in “disputed international waters” before heading off in the direction of other FPSO vessels that Exxon is operating in Guyana’s waters.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has already maintained that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognized under international law and that Exxon is lawfully operating within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Meanwhile, the US Government, through the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, on Saturday called Venezuela’s threats to ExxonMobil’s FPSO unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognised maritime territory.
The US has also warned that any further provocation will result in consequences for the Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela as it reaffirms support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the border boundaries between the two South American neighbours.
See below for statements from other stakeholders on Venezuela’s recent act of aggression:
GOGEC condemns Venezuelan Naval incursion in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) wishes to register its unequivocal condemnation of the recent display of aggression by the Venezuelan military’s incursion in Guyana’s EEZ, that reportedly occurred this morning (March 1, 2025), in the Stabroek Block where ExxonMobil is operating.
In the circumstances, GOGEC affirms its strongest support to the Government of Guyana’s rapid and strategic response to this developing situation that threatens to undermine Guyana’s territorial integrity and security, regional peace and security and stability.
Further, GOGEC wishes to reinforce that this recent act by the Venezuelan Government violates the spirit of the Argyle Agreement and more so, the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order issued on December 1, 2023 that:
“Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Co-operative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area”.
GOGEC wishes to urge the Venezuelan Government to seize and desist from this dangerous path it is pursuing and strictly adhere to and respect the aforementioned court order issued by the ICJ as well as the Argyle Agreement, pending the ICJ’s judgement, which will be legally binding on both parties, that is expected in 2026.
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Shipping Association Condemns Venezuelan Naval Incursion, Calls for Peaceful Resolution and Maritime Security
The Shipping Association of Guyana unequivocally condemns the recent unauthorised incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyanese waters, which posed a direct threat to the security and stability of vital maritime activities, including oil and gas operations.
This incident is a grave concern to the maritime and shipping industry, as it endangers the lawful operations of vessels within Guyana’s internationally recognized territorial. The protection of maritime routes and offshore assets is paramount for economic stability, and any hostile actions jeopardizing these must be strongly opposed.
We commend the Government of Guyana for its swift diplomatic engagement with international partners, including the OAS, CARICOM, and the ICJ, to ensure that this violation is addressed in accordance with international law. The Shipping Association urges Venezuela to respect Guyana’s sovereignty and adhere to peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to intimidation tactics that threaten regional stability.
We stand in full support of all efforts to ensure the safety of maritime operations within
Guyana’s waters and call on international maritime organizations and allied nations to remain vigilant in safeguarding the security of lawful commercial activities.
The Shipping Association of Guyana remains committed to promoting a safe and stable maritime environment, free from threats or aggression, and will continue to work alongside stakeholders to uphold the principles of peace and international law.
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The European Chamber of Commerce Condemns Venezuela’s Violation of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone
The European Chamber of Commerce (ECC) strongly condemns the recent illegal entry of a
Venezuelan vessel into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Such actions are a direct threat to the sovereignty of an independent nation and pose significant risks to peace, stability, and economic progress in the region.
Respect for international law is fundamental to maintaining order and cooperation among nations. The ECC calls on the global community to reject this act of aggression and to support Guyana’s right to govern its internationally recognized territory. The boundary between Guyana and Venezuela was clearly established by the 1899 Arbitral Award, a ruling that remains valid under international law and is currently under review by the International Court of Justice. Venezuela’s refusal to acknowledge this legal framework and its continued attempts to disrupt regional stability must not go unanswered.
The ECC stands in full solidarity with the Government of Guyana and supports any efforts taken to protect its territorial integrity. We stand resolute with our fellow citizens, international partners and all stakeholders in insisting that Venezuela fully acknowledge the legal framework and refrain from all attempts to disrupt regional stability. The Essequibo region is an integral part of Guyana, and we affirm its full sovereignty over its 83,000 square miles and EEZ.
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