Diplomats back non-violence as Venezuela, Guyana talk over border dispute

Talks over a territorial dispute pitting Venezuela against Guyana yielded commitments on Thursday to avoid violence or threats, Report informs via Reuters.

The top diplomats from both South American nations held talks hosted by Brazil, pledging to use diplomacy to settle differences.

"We agree on the need to continue... through diplomatic channels," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil told reporters in the Brazilian capital after the meeting.

Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd expressed confidence that the next meeting will bring "real advances."

He added that his nation was committed to allowing the International Court of Justice to offer a solution to the dispute. The court ruled in December that Venezuela should refrain from taking any action that alters the situation on the ground in Esequibo.

The follow-up meeting will also be held in Brazil, according to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.