May 23, 2016: The Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, held bilateral talks with His Excellency Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela today (Monday 23rd May 2016) at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s. Discussions focused on several matters of mutual interest including enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of foreign policy and energy and trade.
Coming out of the meeting, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela signed an agreement to direct operating companies to proceed with cross border initiatives. Prime Minister Rowley emphasised that today's agreement is as a result of ongoing cooperation efforts between the two countries since September of last year. The Prime Minister stated that Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela will approach the international market jointly coming out of these initiatives.
Additionally, Prime Minister Rowley affirmed that financing has been put in place to enable this venture as well as cross border trade of manufactured items by President Maduro. Dr. Rowley went on to say that Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to assisting the people of Venezuela and that this assistance will come via a supply of manufactured goods from Trinidad and Tobago to Venezuela.
Prime Minister Rowley and President Maduro have also agreed that Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela will co-operate in the fight against criminal elements. The joint security council will meet next Monday (30th May 2016) in Caracas, Venezuela to discuss the way forward. According to Dr. Rowley, this will begin a new era of cooperation between the security services of both nations.
The Prime Minister also stated that steps are being taken to resolve the situation surrounding the incarceration of Trinbagonian nationals in Venezuela.
Dr. Rowley concluded by saying that the decisions taken today will have far reaching positive consequences for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
For further information please contact:
The Communications Unit
Office of the Prime Minister
868-622-1625