The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado assured that The destiny of Colombia and Venezuela is closely linked and that the democratic stability of their country It will be decisive in achieving lasting peace in the region.
In a message addressed to the Colombian Council on International Relations (CORI), Machado recalled his speech before the Colombian Congress more than a decade ago: “12 years ago, on my last visit to the Colombian Congress, I told your senators: ‘There will be no peace in Colombia as long as there is no freedom in Venezuela.’ And today I tell you with all my confidence: ‘There will be peace in Colombia because Venezuela will finally, and very soon, be free.’”
Machado, who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in promoting democratic rights and peaceful transition in Venezuela, highlighted that The end of Nicolás Maduro’s government will bring economic and security benefits not only to his country, but also to all of Latin America.
Regional cooperation and democratic reconstruction
The leader maintained that Venezuela is “ready to begin a profound reconstruction” based on economic freedom, respect for human rights and defense of private property, principles that, she affirmed, will mark the new direction of the country after the dictatorship.
“The stability of Venezuela is key to the peace of Colombia. The reestablishment of democratic order will allow us to combat binational criminal structuresreduce violence on the border and strengthen hemispheric security,” he said.
Machado also proposed a strategic alliance between Caracas and Bogotáaimed at promoting sectors such as energy, agribusiness, tourism, logistics and financial services.
“Colombia will have a central role in this transformation. Colombian businessmen will find a historic opportunity in Venezuela,” he stressed.
The Nobel Prize winner thanked the Colombian people for having welcomed more than 2 million Venezuelan migrants during the humanitarian crisis of recent years. He assured that the eventual return of this population will be “an orderly and voluntary process,” with positive effects for both nations.
“They will return to rebuild their homes, reunite with their families and participate in the recovery of a free country,” he said.
Machado also stated that Institutional coordination between Colombia and Venezuela will be essential to confront drug traffickingwhich he described as a “shared threat.”
“The joint work will be institutional, firm and determined, but deeply respectful of human rights,” he added.
Machado calls on Colombian society
As you conclude your message, María Corina Machado urged the political, business and academic sectors of Colombia to support the Venezuelan democratic transition.
“Today, more than ever, is the time for all Colombians to support the restoration of Venezuela’s institutional system,” he stated.
The opposition leader seeks to project her vision of a new stage of binational cooperation and prosperity, in a continent that, as she said, “will only achieve peace when freedom prevails.”
