In a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry yesterday, the Venezuelan Government celebrated the victory of the United National Congress (UNC) and congratulated Prime Minister-elect Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil, who posted the statement on his Instagram page, recalled that during her previous term from 2010 to 2015, Persad-Bissessar and the Venezuelan Government had consolidated a strategic relationship based on mutual respect and co-operation in key areas such as security, the economy, and regional integration.
“Our nations have built a solid alliance, based on Caribbean brotherhood and a shared interest in the development of our peoples,” the Venezuelan Government stated while emphasising its full willingness to strengthen these ties, especially in energy projects that benefit both nations.
The Venezuelan government also reiterated its commitment to continuing joint projects, especially in the area of energy security, and assured that it will maintain a reliable gas supply to T&T, which will contribute to the sustainable economic growth of T&T and the Caribbean region.
Noting that “Venezuela and T&T share historical, geographical, and cultural ties that unite both in the heart of the Caribbean,” the Bolivarian Government said both countries must be aware of the challenges facing the region.
The statement continued: “We reaffirm our willingness to advance a common co-operation agenda that responds to the aspirations of our peoples and promotes peace, development, and the sovereignty of our nations.”
Venezuela also hopes bilateral co-operation will deepen, consolidating both nations as strategic partners in the region.
This statement from the Nicolás Maduro administration comes against a backdrop of failed attempts to cement energy agreements in recent years.
On April 8, the US Government revoked the licenses granted to T&T for the Dragon and Manakin-Cocuina cross-border gas fields. Former prime minister, Dr Keith Rowley had said that T&T’s economic fortunes depended on the success of that energy deal.