Four trucks loaded with medical supplies and other products were the first to pass, this Monday, September 26, through the Simón Bolívar bridge in the reopening of the border between Colombia and Venezuela, closed seven years ago by order of Caracas.
(See: Minute by minute: the first trucks pass through the border with Venezuela).
Charles Flowers He was the first driver to open the passage through the Simón Bolívar bridge and he could not contain his joy. He said that he felt anxious about the traffic, among other things because he was the last driver to pass towards Colombia when the relations with Venezuela were broken.
“Passing through Paraguachón (a town in the department of La Guajira on the border with Venezuela) was not profitable and I had to start working on Colombian routes.“he told the agency. EFE the driver, who has family in the neighboring country and will take the opportunity to visit his loved ones.
The Simon Bolivar International Bridge It is the main passage between both countries and where thousands of people cross walking every day.
(See: These are the Invima protocols for trade with Venezuela).
In the face of another driver, Nelson Landinez, happiness was evident and he is very expectant of what now “it will be a new beginning for both countries“.
“These supplies are for the survival of Venezuela, we hope that everything goes well, that is what we expect from the reopening of the border to the benefit of both countriesLandinez said.
Benedicto Soler, who has been a driver for 28 years, was one of those affected by the border closure, since his work depended on the passage of products through the border bridges and his route changed to national destinations.
(See: This is how the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela will work).
Carriers preparing to pass the border.
“I remember beautiful things when the border was open because we supported ourselves with many products from Venezuela. We are happy with the reopening of the border because there will be a lot of work for the people of Venezuela and Colombia“, said Soler, who added that “First of all, the important thing is that the two steps have the brotherhood that they had before.“.
The vehicles that will pass through the border bridge were inspected by the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (Dian) before starting your transit.
(See: Who wins with the reopening of the Colombian-Venezuelan border?).
EFE
