A top UK official will meet Guyana’s President to stress backing for the country following Venezuela’s border claim.

David Rutley, the British Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories, will also meet with Ambassadors from the US, Canada and the European Union to discuss international support for Guyana.

In a statement, he said, “The border issue has been settled for over 120 years. Sovereign borders must be respected wherever they are in the world… The UK will continue to work with partners in the region, as well as through international bodies, to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld.”

Mr Rutley’s visit is the first by a G7 minister since the Venezuelan referendum regarding the Essequibo region.

The UK has welcomed talks between President Nicolás Maduro and President Irfaan Ali on December 14th, where both pledged there would be no use of military force over the border issue.