The presidents of Venezuela and Guyana pledged after direct talks on Thursday not to resort to force to settle a long-simmering – and recently reheated – territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region, a joint statement said.

The presidents of Venezuela and Guyana met Thursday in the Caribbean for talks that analysts say could "de-escalate" tensions but will do little to resolve their countries' long-standing -- and now reheating -- territorial dispute.