Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Colombia are strengthened

This Saturday, the presidents of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, held a meeting at the Miraflores Palace in the city of Caracas. During the talks, the presidents made an exhaustive review of the fundamental issues of the bilateral relationship.

Through a joint declaration, the willingness of Venezuela as a guarantor country to support the Colombian government in its objective to maintain the bilateral cessation and Total Peace was reported.

Likewise, both governments reviewed Partial Scope Agreement No. 28, which governs
bilateral trade, particularly in Market Access, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Affairs and the Economic Complementation Framework Agreement, for which the technical teams of the two countries will meet no later than January 27, 2023.

Similarly, the progress achieved in the opening of the bridges was reported.
between Colombia and Venezuela that have improved the conditions of Colombian and Venezuelan citizens in the border areas. Likewise, the local and regional border authorities will be given instructions to complete the process of opening all border crossings for the international transport of goods and passengers, both in public service and in private vehicles.

On the other hand, they will jointly promote binational complementation agreements
agricultural, industrial and service sectors, as well as infrastructure development, with special emphasis on the sustainable development of border areas.

Here is the full text:

Today the presidents of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, held a meeting at the Miraflores Palace in the city of Caracas on the occasion of an exhaustive and direct review of the progress on key issues on the bilateral agenda described below:

1. Venezuela as a guarantor country will support the Colombian government in its objective to maintain the bilateral cessation and Total Peace.
2. The progress achieved to complete the negotiation was announced
   of the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, through which cross-border direct investments will be facilitated and promoted, which will promote, among others, the
   technology transfer, the formation of value-added chains and the productive and sustainable development of Colombia and Venezuela.
3. Revision of Partial Scope Agreement No. 28, which governs
   bilateral trade, particularly in Market Access, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Affairs and the Complementary Framework Agreement
   Economic Tation, for which the technical teams of the two countries will meet no later than January 27, 2023.
4. The progress achieved in the opening of the bridges was reported
   border crossings between Colombia and Venezuela that have made it possible to improve the conditions of Colombian and Venezuelan citizens in areas of
   borders. Likewise, local and regional authorities will be given
   instructions to complete the process of opening
   all border crossings for the international transport of goods
   and passengers, both in public service and in private vehicles.
5. Jointly promote binational complementation agreements
   agricultural, industrial and service sectors, as well as infrastructure development, with special emphasis on the sustainable development of border areas.
6. Review the binational projects of Colombia-Venezuela in terms of infrastructure projects for connectivity, energy, and food production and processing.
7. A technical commission will be created to build and formulate connectivity projects between the Caribbean Sea and the Colombian Pacific.

The presidents celebrate the good relations and the permanent communication between the two nations for the achievement of common objectives.

Caracas, January 7, 2023.

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