ADMIST growing tensions between Caracas and Port of Spain, Opposition Pennelope Beckles on Tuesday received a courtesy call from Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Álvaro Enrique Sánchez Cordero, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
Beckles was joined at the meeting by Dr Amery Browne, Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate and former minister of foreign and CARICOM affairs.
The Opposition Leader welcomed the ambassador’s continued engagement with Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic and cultural community and commended his contributions to strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries, the release said.
Beckles underscored Trinidad and Tobago’s longstanding foreign-policy approach rooted in respect for international law, dialogue, and the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace,” principles which she said have guided the country’s diplomacy since independence.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent regional developments, including Venezuela’s announcement of a suspension of gas and energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago. In that context, discussions covered the importance of open communication, transparency, and diplomacy in addressing complex regional issues, particularly energy cooperation, migration, and maritime security, the statement added.
It also took place on the day that Venezuela declared Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona non-grata and she responded by saying she does not care.
According to the release, Beckles said the Opposition remains committed to protecting Trinidad and Tobago’s national interests while supporting peaceful engagement and adherence to international norms. She also noted that the People’s National Movement has historically maintained strong relations with Venezuela, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962 under Dr. Eric Williams.
Ambassador Sánchez Cordero congratulated Beckles on her leadership of the Opposition and highlighted Venezuela’s appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the nations, referencing cultural and historical bonds including shared traditions such as parang.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue as the basis for continued bilateral cooperation, and expressed hope for regional stability, deepened cultural ties, and enduring friendship between the peoples of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.
