Guyana's president, Irfaan Ali, has expressed his country's determination to protect itself from Venezuela, which has ordered its state-owned companies to explore and exploit oil and minerals in the Essequibo region. Guyana considers this region to be its own territory. President Ali stated that his government is reaching out to allies and regional partners, some of which Guyana has defense agreements with, to protect Essequibo, which makes up two-thirds of the country. He emphasized that they are taking the threat seriously and have initiated precautionary measures to ensure peace and stability in the region. Guyana's Defense Force is also speaking with counterparts in other countries, although specific countries were not mentioned. President Ali warned that if Venezuela proceeds with its actions, the region will have to respond collectively.

These statements from President Ali came after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the immediate granting of operating licenses for exploration and exploitation in Essequibo. Maduro also ordered the creation of local subsidiaries of Venezuelan public companies, including oil giant PDVSA and mining conglomerate Corporaci??n Venezolana de Guayana. He further declared the establishment of a Comprehensive Defense Operational Zone for the disputed territory. President Ali criticized Venezuela's actions, stating that they defy international law and pose a threat to the stability and peaceful coexistence of the region.

President Ali revealed that Guyana plans to bring up the issue at a UN Security Council meeting. He also stated that his administration has reached out to the United States, neighboring Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, the UN secretary-general, and the US Southern Command for assistance. Ali accused Venezuela of defying a ruling by the International Court of Justice, which ordered Venezuela not to take any action in the disputed region until the court resolves the competing claims. Venezuela condemned Guyana's statement, accusing them of acting irresponsibly and allegedly giving the US Southern Command permission to enter Essequibo.

The United Nations issued a statement supporting the ruling by the International Court of Justice and calling for parties to refrain from actions that could aggravate or extend the dispute. UN Secretary-General Ant??nio Guterres emphasized the use of peaceful means to settle international disputes. However, Venezuela rejected the UN's comments and stated that it does not recognize the court's jurisdiction.

The dispute over the Essequibo region has been ongoing but intensified in 2015 when ExxonMobil discovered vast amounts of oil off the coast of Guyana. Venezuela claims the region based on historical boundaries from the Spanish colonial period, rejecting the border set by international arbitrators in 1899. The dispute escalated after Maduro held a referendum in which Venezuelans approved his claim of sovereignty over Essequibo.

President Ali reiterated his commitment to diplomacy as the first line of defense but stated that Guyana is also preparing for the worst-case scenario. He mentioned reaching out to allies and friends, including the US, India, and Cuba, to ensure they are in a position to defend their territory. While military preparations are being made, Ali emphasized the desire for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The US Department of State echoed this sentiment, urging both Venezuela and Guyana to seek a peaceful resolution and stating that the dispute cannot be settled by a referendum.

The border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana continues to cause tensions, with Venezuela claiming overwhelming support for its referendum. The situation remains unresolved, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region.