Joint Communiqué From Barbados & Venezuela

The Government of Barbados and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela convened high-level bilateral talks, reaffirming their longstanding relationship based on solidarity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development.

The Meeting was conducted in a spirit of frank and constructive dialogue and both sides underscored the importance of deepening collaboration in priority areas including agriculture and food security, fisheries, energy, education, connectivity and tourism.

Energy Cooperation and Security

The Governments reaffirmed their shared interest in strengthening energy cooperation to enhance energy security and affordability. They agreed to invest jointly in oil and gas fields to boost production to ensure affordable access for these products. Both Parties also agreed to explore cooperation opportunities in renewable energy and collaboration in the development of related infrastructure.

Cooperation in Fisheries and Maritime Affairs

Recognising the strategic importance of the fisheries sector, the Parties agreed to strengthen cooperation to promote economic complementarity mechanisms through the supply of Venezuelan fishery products, addressing both the needs of the Barbadian market and international trade opportunities. Furthermore, they committed to exploring initiatives aimed at strengthening Barbados’ food security through fishery sourcing, as well as joint investment opportunities in processing, added value, and logistical development of the sector. Venezuela also committed to cooperating in knowledge transfer regarding the organisation of fishermen’s centres.

Both parties expressed interest in expanding scientific and technical cooperation in areas of marine biology, ocean research, and environmental management, including the exchange of knowledge to address common challenges such as the impact of sargassum on marine and coastal ecosystems.

Agriculture and Food Security

Both Governments reaffirmed their commitment to boosting cooperation under the Agreement on Agri-Food Sovereignty, signed in July 2023. They recognised the importance of this framework in supporting Barbados’ efforts to reduce its food import bill and contribute to regional food security objectives.

The Parties welcomed progress in technical activities and agreed to accelerate efforts to launch agricultural initiatives. Additionally, they agreed to continue technical consultations to define implementation modalities, including the participation of public and private sectors. Both parties also expressed interest in promoting cooperation in livestock development, including the proposed goat breeding project, and in strengthening collaboration in agricultural research, seed production, and high-performance farming systems.

Maritime and Air Connectivity

The Governments underscored the fundamental importance of having reliable transport links to facilitate trade and exchanges between their peoples. They agreed to intensify efforts to improve air connectivity, including reviewing the scheduling of existing services to better accommodate cargo operations.

The Parties also emphasised the need to restore direct maritime links and committed to further collaboration with relevant stakeholders to advance this objective. They welcomed ongoing discussions regarding the introduction of charter services between Venezuela and Barbados.

Cooperation in Tourism

Both Governments welcomed the strengthening of tourism cooperation, including the existing partnership between their respective tourism agencies. They agreed to move forward with the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation and to promote joint initiatives aimed at developing multi-destination tourism products, training and increasing visitor flows between both countries.

Cooperation in Language Training and Education

The Parties recognised the importance of language training as a pillar of human resource development and agreed to work on establishing a structured cooperation programme for the Spanish language. This initiative will include training, academic exchanges, and scholarships, aimed at students, public officials, and private sector professionals.

Both parties acknowledged the long-standing contribution of Venezuelan-supported language programmes in Barbados and committed to expanding these efforts. Finally, the Governments committed to fostering educational exchange at the technical and higher levels in areas such as hydrocarbons, tourism, communes, and other priority areas for cooperation.

Communal Cooperation and Local Development

The Governments recognised the value of exchanging experiences in community organisation and participatory local development. In this regard, they agreed to explore technical and educational cooperation mechanisms to share best practice in areas linked to community strengthening, social inclusion and local productive development.

Conclusion

The Government of Barbados and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting practical cooperation initiatives that bring tangible benefits to their peoples. They agreed to maintain regular high-level and technical contacts to monitor progress and ensure the timely implementation of agreed initiatives.

The Meeting concluded in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, reflecting the solid partnership between Barbados and Venezuela and their shared vision of sustainable development and regional integration. (PR/GIS)