Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC is now considered “Persona Grata” in Venezuela, following a high-level meeting with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez-Gómez in New York on Wednesday, as both leaders pledged to usher in what they called a “new era” in relations between the two countries.
The two leaders met on Wednesday at Venezuela’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where they agreed to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors.
In a joint statement, the two leaders described the talks as the beginning of a “new era” in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to friendship, dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was Venezuela’s indication that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar is indeed “Persona Grata” in the country.
The two leaders also agreed to exchange official visits to Caracas and Port of Spain to maintain direct consultations at the highest level.
The countries also agreed on a work agenda focused on key areas including trade, energy, security, agriculture, tourism, disaster risk management, environmental protection, air connectivity and culture.
During the discussions, President Rodríguez also thanked the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for their expressions of solidarity following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th this year.
Both leaders ended the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to building stronger relations aimed at promoting development, peace, stability and prosperity for both countries and the wider Caribbean region.
The two leaders met on Wednesday within the framework of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar addressed the UNGA on Tuesday evening, while President Rodríguez was scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday evening.