The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, assured this Thursday that “Venezuela and Colombia met again for the future.”
“Colombia and Venezuela must be merged under the ideal of peace, collaboration and integration,” said the President.
From the Casona Cultural Aquiles Nazoa, in Caracas, the Head of State described as successful the Meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, Carlos Faria, and the Foreign Minister appointed by the government of Gustavo Petro, Álvaro Leyvain the state of Táchira.
“It was a virtuous and united meeting in the spirit of Bolívar (…) It tells us that the future to come will be better,” Maduro said.
The national president explained that the dialogue between the foreign ministers of Colombia and Venezuela addressed 14 issues of binational interest.
«There was talk of peace and security plans for the entire border; of the progressive, economic and commercial opening of the border; of plans for the future », he specified.
Maduro thanked his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, for having sent the diplomatic representative of his government to support this first approach after being elected, on June 19, to take the reins of the New Granada country.
Finally, the Dignitary reiterated that Venezuela and Colombia have to march together, merged behind a single ideal: peace, collaboration and integration.
Earlier
The Foreign Minister of the Republic, Carlos Faria, announced that both nations will restore diplomatic relations at all levels, starting with the appointment of Ambassadors, once Petro becomes president of Colombia on August 7.
During the meeting A joint declaration was signed between the two diplomats, inspired by the historical deed of Simón Bolívar and framed in the brotherhood, complementarity and cooperation that unite both peoples.
Here is the joint statement:
Joint statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Carlos Faria, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Peace (Designate) of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán
The People’s Power Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Carlos Faria Tortosa, together with the Designated Minister of Foreign Affairs and Peace of the Republic of Colombia, Álvaro Leyva Durán, meeting in the city of San Cristóbal, Táchira State , Venezuela, inspired by the heroic deed of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, have reaffirmed the historical ties of brotherhood, complementarity and cooperation that unite our peoples.
On this occasion, the foreign ministers:
1. They expressed their willingness to advance in a work agenda for the gradual normalization of binational relations as of August 7, with the appointment of ambassadors and other diplomatic and consular officials.
2. They ratified their willingness to consolidate the ties of friendship and cooperation with the review of all issues of binational interest for the benefit of the happiness of our peoples.
3. They reaffirm their willingness to make joint efforts to guarantee security and peace on the borders of our countries.
4. They appreciate the presence of the Deputy Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations verification mission in Colombia at this first and historic meeting, Mr. Raúl Rosende.
5. Support dialogue in favor of building paths of peace, respect and mutual understanding, with full recognition of our complementary capacities.
San Cristóbal, Táchira July 28, 2022.
