Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela set agenda for a new era in bilateral relations

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed on a broad working agenda intended to open “a new era” in relations between the neighbouring Caribbean countries.

The roadmap covers trade, energy, agriculture, environmental protection, culture and collective security. The two governments said it should deepen commercial ties, support economic growth and help develop the natural resources available in both territories.

Agricultural cooperation will focus on strengthening food security. The countries also said they would work toward sustainable development and environmental protection across the Caribbean. Cultural initiatives are intended to promote greater integration between their peoples, while collective security has been identified as another area for closer cooperation.

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a new chapter

The agreement followed a visit to Venezuela by Sean Sobers, Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of foreign and Caricom affairs, and talks with his Venezuelan counterpart. In a joint statement issued Thursday, the governments called the visit “a new chapter” in diplomatic relations.

The agenda is to be led by Venezuelan President Deley Rodriguez and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, according to the statement. Venezuela also expressed gratitude for the solidarity and support provided by Trinidad and Tobago after the double earthquake on June 24. Both sides said they would pursue the cooperation in accordance with international law and in the interests of their peoples’ economic and social development.

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a new era