France reiterates support for Guyana’s sovereignty
May 29 2026
As Guyana marked its 60th Independence anniversary, France has reiterated its strong support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
In a congratulatory message to President Dr Irfaan Ali, French President Emmanuel Macron extended greetings to the Government and people of Guyana while highlighting the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to respect for Guyana’s sovereignty in accordance with international law, referencing the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Essequibo border dispute.
The French leader noted that this year also marks six decades of diplomatic relations between Guyana and France, pointing to expanded cooperation since the opening of the French Embassy in Georgetown in September 2025.
He further underscored growing collaboration in areas including justice, security, and defence, while welcoming the involvement of French Armed Forces stationed in French Guiana during Guyana’s Independence celebrations.
France, through neighbouring French Guiana, continues to position itself as a key regional partner in advancing cooperation and addressing shared security and development challenges within the wider Guyana Shield region.
Translation of the letter addressed on May 26, 2026 by President Emmanuel Macron,
President of the French Republic to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed irfaan Ali, on the 60th
Anniversary of the Independence of Guyana:
“The President of the Republic
Paris, 26 May 2026
Mr. President, [handwritten : Dear Friend],
On the occasion of Guyana’s National Day and the celebration of the sixtieth anniversary of Independence, I am pleased to extend to you, and to the people of Guyana, my warmest congratulations on this date, which also marks sixty years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
France is particularly attached to its partnership with Guyana in light of the many regional challenges we share on the Guyana Shield, where we work together in support of peace, cooperation and respect for human rights.
Following the opening of the hearings before the International Court of Justice
concerning the dispute over the Essequibo region, France reaffirms its commitment to
the respect for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with
international law.
The opening of our Embassy in Georgetown on 1 September 2025 has helped to further
strengthen the ties between our two countries, and I sincerely hope that we will soon be able to conclude the various draft agreements currently under negotiation in the fields of justice, security and defence. In this regard, I welcome the active participation of the French Armed Forces in French Guiana in the events organised to mark Independence celebrations.
Please accept, Mr President, the assurances of my highest consideration.
[Handwritten : My frienship]
Signed : Emmanuel Macron”
