At 12:35 p.m. (Venezuela time) this Monday, the first trucks with strategic material passed through the Simón Bolívar international bridge, which marks the official reopening of the border between Venezuela and Colombia.
The first trucks that transited the Simón Bolívar international bridge were loaded with strategic material.
The first truck, with aluminum from basic companies in Guayana, crossed the Simón Bolívar bridge from Venezuela to Colombia. The vehicle was decorated with balloons in the color of both flags. Meanwhile, a Colombian truck crossed into Venezuela with medicines, medical supplies, and personal hygiene products.
Maduro: It is a historic day
We are resuming relations and taking firm steps to advance in the total and absolute opening of the border between brother peoples: Colombia and Venezuela. It is a historic and transcendental day! », President Nicolás Maduro posted on his Twitter account.
The first national president branded as “a historic day” the day of reopening of borders between both nations.
Border crossings for cargo trucks have been restricted since 2015 and blocked since 2019.
“The reopening of the border between Colombia and Venezuela is undoubtedly a historical fact, which marks the beginning of a stage of relations of brotherhood, respect and peace. We are peoples united by the unbreakable bond of Bolivarianism », he posted.
symbolic encounter
A symbolic gesture previously marked the meeting of the two nations with a hug at the border between the authorities present from both countries, including the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, the Minister of Transportation of Venezuela, Ramón Velásquez Araguayán, the Minister of Commerce of Colombia, German Umaña; the Venezuelan ambassador, Félix Plasencia; Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva; and the governor of the Táchira state, Freddy Bernal.
Also, among the authorities present were the mayors of the border states.
During the act, the chords of the Colombian anthem were played, interpreted by the Bolivarian National Guard, and the Venezuelan anthem sung by the Colombian National Police. While both tricolor pavilions waved on the Simón Bolívar international bridge.
The border is opened for the benefit and peace of both nations, after seven years of closure, following a decision made by the President of the Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro.
As part of this reopening of the Colombian-Venezuelan border, various meetings have been held between authorities from the Ministries of Transport, Commerce and Economy, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Venezuela and Colombia, Carlos Faría and Álvaro Leyva.
In addition, the defense ministers of both nations, Vladimir Padrino and Iván Velázquez, also outlined the roadmap to follow in maintaining security for both countries, a vital issue to continue advancing in the common development plans in the border area.
It should be remembered that in February 2019 there was a breakdown in relations between the two countries, caused by the actions of the Venezuelan right-wing leader Juan Guaidó and former Colombian president Iván Duque, who tried to overthrow the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela, led by President Nicholas Maduro.
Pending world of Venezuela and Colombia
According to information from Telesur, more than 300 national and international media outlets were accredited to cover the official reopening of the border between Colombia and Venezuela.
taking firm steps
The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, stressed that Venezuela and Colombia are taking firm steps to advance in the full opening and absolute border.
Through a message on his account on the social network Twitter, the Head of State stressed: “It is a historical and transcendental day«.
Voices of hope on the border
Matilda, one of the passers-by on the Simón Bolívar international bridge, said: “What we don’t have to remember is left behind, everything good that comes is the present, we are waiting for everything good that comes. This is a new beginning, new communications, the reunion. Many thanks to both Presidents Maduro and Petro.”
For his part, Alirio Carrero pointed out that it is important for him to re-establish trade between the two nations. “It is very important for everyone, expectations are positive and forward with President Nicolás Maduro.”
Jorge Ruiz, another Venezuelan passer-by on the bridge, stressed: “We need peace and tranquility. We have been waiting for this for a long time, for the benefit of all, both Venezuelans and Colombians.”
For Alirio Pérez, «the reopening is very good and that’s how so much walking ends. We were madly waiting for this. We hope that the governments agree and everything works normally.
It should be noted that at least 45,000 people move through the bridge daily, Venezuelans who go to the north of Santander.
