UK urges Venezuela to refrain from provocative acts after naval vessel enters Guyana’s waters

The United Kingdom has reiterated its support for Guyana’s maritime territory, calling on Venezuela to refrain from what it described as “provocative” actions after a naval vessel from the Spanish-speaking nation entered Guyana’s waters on Saturday.

“Yesterday [Saturday, March 1, 2025], Venezuela violated Guyana’s maritime territory in a provocative act. The UK is steadfast in its support for Guyana’s internationally recognised territorial integrity and urges Venezuela to refrain from such actions,” UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Lammy, who is the son of Guyanese immigrants, have always been vocal in support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Venezuela’s claims of the Essequibo region, which is two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) where oil operations are ongoing.

Only in December, during his first official visit to Guyana since his appointment in July 2024, the UK Foreign Secretary renew his country’s support for Guyana’s territorial integrity.

During a reception at State House, the UK’s support for Guyana’s territorial integrity, developmental projects, and security collaboration were emphasised by the British Foreign Secretary.

On Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said in a live broadcast that Guyana’s international partners, including the UK, have been informed about Venezuela’s latest act of aggression and have responded “favourably.”

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.