Guyana and Venezuela agree to ‘refrain from escalating conflict’

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali speaks during a press conference (Lucanus D Ollivierre/AP)

The leaders of Guyana and Venezuela have promised not to use threats or force against each other, but talks on Thursday failed to reach an agreement in a bitter dispute over a vast border region rich with oil and minerals.

A joint commission composed of the foreign ministers of both countries and other officials will address the problem with a report expected within three months.