Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2013, arguing that the court should validate the 1899 Arbitral Award. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elías Jaua responded, insisting that "the ICJ lacks jurisdiction, as the Geneva Agreement mandates bilateral negotiations, not judicial intervention."

1999: Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Foreign Minister José Vicente Rangel sought to strengthen regional ties while keeping the dispute at a diplomatic level. Chávez frequently mentioned, "The Esequibo is ours, but we seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue and understanding."

2010: When Guyana awarded oil exploration licenses in the disputed maritime zone, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro condemned the move, stating, "Guyana's actions undermine the spirit of the Geneva Agreement and threaten regional peace."

1966 - Guyana gains independence

The Arbitral Award of Paris. The arbitration tribunal awarded the majority of the disputed territory to British Guiana. Ignacio Andrade, then President of Venezuela, and Severo Mallet-Prevost, Venezuela's legal representative, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, citing potential biases and irregularities in the arbitration process.

1889 - Venezuela lays claims to two-thirds of Guyana west of the Essequibo river, but international arbitration rules in favour of Guyana in 1899.

1834 - The abolition of slavery leads to indentured workers being brought in from India.

1814 - Britain occupies Guyana during the Napoleonic Wars and later makes it a the Colony of British Guiana.

As of 2024, the international community is awaiting the ICJ’s final judgment on the case. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil continues to assert Venezuela’s rights over the Esequibo, while Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd remains confident in a favorable ruling for Guyana. The judgment will have significant implications for regional stability and the economic interests of both countries, particularly concerning the contested oil-rich territories.

2022: Both nations submitted detailed arguments to the ICJ. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil reiterated Venezuela’s stance that the 1899 Arbitral Award was invalid, while Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd continued to defend the award's legitimacy.

On December 18, 2020, the ICJ ruled in favor of hearing the case, a decision lauded by Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd as "an important step towards a definitive resolution." Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza criticized the ruling, stating, "This is a setback for bilateral diplomacy and a violation of the spirit of the Geneva Agreement."