Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain presided over a virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) on Tuesday evening. The meeting saw participation from foreign ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, according to a press release from the foreign ministry.
During the session, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation provided updates on the ongoing dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana. The CMGG reaffirmed its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the appropriate and lawful avenue to resolve the matter in accordance with international law.
Bangladesh, along with the other participating countries, expressed its strong support for the preservation of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom also reiterated their commitment to upholding Guyana’s sovereign rights.
After thorough discussions, the group agreed to issue a concluding statement commending Guyana for its restraint and adherence to international law. The ministers also expressed their condolences on the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, the longest-serving and second Commonwealth Secretary-General. They acknowledged his remarkable global leadership, particularly his efforts in coordinating international opposition to apartheid in South Africa, advocating for the rights of small states, and fostering international cooperation.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General extended her gratitude to Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser for expertly chairing the meeting.
