The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) was convened virtually on Tuesday evening with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in the chair.

The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

During the virtual meeting the foreign affairs and international cooperation minister of Guyana presented the recent updates on the status of the dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana to the members.

The Group reiterated its firm and steadfast support for the ICJ process as the appropriate and lawful means to address the matter under international law.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its unequivocal support to the preservation of the territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Guyana. Ministers and representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom also reaffirmed their commitment towards the sovereign rights of Guyana.

After an exhaustive discussion, the group agreed to issue a concluding statement where the group appreciated Guyana’s restraint and adherence to the international law.

During the virtual meeting, the ministers expressed condolences on the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, the longest serving and second Commonwealth Secretary-General, for his exemplary global leadership, his pivotal role in the coordination of international opposition to apartheid in South Africa, his visionary advocacy for the rights of small states, and his tireless work to bring nations together.

The Commonwealth secretary general appreciated and thanked the foreign adviser of Bangladesh for chairing the meeting with due expertise and diligence, said a message received here.