Venezuela rejects seismic exploration by Guyana in disputed waters

Published at: 11/03/2026 08:20 PM

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, through an official statement, rejected the start of a three-dimensional seismic exploration campaign in maritime areas that Guyana intends to present unilaterally as part of its supposed “exclusive economic zone”.

The letter, which was published on the Foreign Minister, Yván Gil's Telegram channel, assures that “once again Guyana reiterates its intention to carry out unilateral exploration activities on part of the maritime spaces that are pending delimitation, in open contravention of fundamental principles of international law”.

Below is the full text of the statement:

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the announcement made by the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana regarding the start of a three-dimensional seismic exploration campaign in maritime areas that that country intends to present unilaterally as part of its supposed “exclusive economic zone”.

Once again, Guyana reiterates its intention to carry out unilateral exploration activities on part of the maritime spaces that are pending delimitation, in open contravention of fundamental principles of international law.

Venezuela requires the Government of Guyana to refrain from carrying out unilateral acts that could harm customary law principles that govern the international relations of coastal countries and in particular those that prohibit States from taking measures that could create or aggravate differences and depart from the framework of international law, as well as from compliance with agreements and guiding principles.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates that it does not recognize and will not recognize any concession, license or activity for the exploration or exploitation of natural resources in undelimited maritime areas that have been granted unilaterally by Guyana, nor the rights that third parties seek to derive from such illegal acts.

Caracas, March 11, 2026.

Mazo News Team