Maduro and all Chavismo celebrated the reopening of the border

The president of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, expressed, this Monday, September 26, that the reopening of the border with Colombia, which was completed after seven years closed to the passage of vehicles, marks the “beginning of a stage“of bilateral relations, after the coming to power of the Colombian president Gustav Petro, last August.

(See: It’s official! After seven years, the border with Venezuela was reopened).

“The reopening of the border between Colombia and Venezuela is undoubtedly a historic event that marks the beginning of a period of brotherhood, respect and peace. We are peoples united by the unbreakable bond of BolivarianismMaduro said on his Twitter account.

The Venezuelan head of state, who was not present at the reopening ceremony despite previous speculation about his attendance, stated that, within the framework of the resumption of relations, both governments is it so “taking firm steps to advance in the total and absolute opening of the border between brother peoples“.

(see: Medical supplies, the first thing to happen after the border reopening).

In this sense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Carlos Faria, who also celebrated the reopening, pointed out that this measure is part of the “reestablishment of bilateral relations and the revival of mutual cooperation“.

“It is a victory for the Bolivarian peace diplomacy. We advance towards the new era opening the path towards the well-being, prosperity and self-determination of our free sister nations“, wrote the chancellor in the same social network.

(See: This is how the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela will work).

defense ministers, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and culture, Ernesto Villegas, They also applauded the fact through messages on networks.

The reopening ceremony, held at the Simon Bolivar International Bridge (the main of the border posts between the two countries), was headed by the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, and by the governor of the state of Táchira (Venezuela), Freddy Bernal.

The activity, which began with the interpretation of the national anthems and the handshake of the two delegations, included the passage of the first cargo trucks in both directions.

(See: Petro proposes an integration zone between Norte de Santander and Táchira).

The passage of vehicles was closed in 2015 by decision of Maduro, who then ordered the expulsion of dozens of Colombians residing in border areas, whom he accused of being smugglers.

EFE