Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Lineu Pupo De Paula has said his country welcomes the decision of the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres to transmit the Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice.
The ambassador was speaking on Friday at his Queenstown residence at a reception to mark the 196th anniversary of his country’s independence, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency.
“I think we have every reason to consider the last three years as one of the most important moments in our long relationship. We are countries that share common values and moreover, we have a large border between us. We are working hard. Brazil welcomes with satisfaction, the decision by the United Nations Secretary General to send the issue of the border controversy to the International Court of Justice. We affirm that the International Court represents the natural course for the settlement of (controversies). Guyana can be assured that regional stability will not be shaken. One of the fundamentals of our foreign policy is the respect of international agreement and Brazil also defends the peaceful solution of controversies. Guyana knows that we are brothers, we are neighbours and we will follow the path of progress together,” the Brazilian Ambassador was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, President David Granger noted that Brazil’s Independence celebration this year is auspicious as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations with Guyana. He noted that Guyana-Brazil relations are founded, most importantly, on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and international law.
“Guyana continues to work closely with Brazil to advance infrastructural integration via the planned paved Mabura-Lethem Road. Guyana and Brazil share a common interest in preserving and protecting the Guiana Shield and in providing environmental services to the rest of the world. The Guiana Shield Initiative and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization are important vehicles for protecting our valuable environmental resources. Guyana-Brazil relations have never been stronger. The prospects for renewed cooperation and collaboration have never been brighter. Guyana and Brazil, yearly, are fortifying their long-standing friendship,” the President said.
