Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez Gómez have agreed to strengthen ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, signalling what both sides described as the start of a “new era” in bilateral relations.
The two leaders met on Wednesday at Venezuela’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, within the framework of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty, good neighbourliness, dialogue and cooperation.
They also agreed on a work agenda focused on trade, energy, security, disaster risk management, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism, air connectivity and culture.
President Rodríguez also thanked Trinidad and Tobago for its expressions of solidarity following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this year on June 24th.
The leaders also agreed to maintain direct consultations at the highest level and to pay official visits to Caracas and Port of Spain.
The Venezuelan side also stated that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar was indeed “Persona Grata” in Venezuela.
The joint statement said both countries remain committed to promoting friendship, trust and cooperation to advance development, peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean.