By FRANCIS JOSEPH
They were both smiling.
After what was described as tense months between them, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC and Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodriquez Gomez, met on the side lines at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
The meeting was described as very cordial with both leaders seen laughing at times.
They promised to work together in areas of trade, energy, security, disaster risk management, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism, air connectivity and culture.
After the meeting, both countries issued a joint statement, promising to pay official visits to each other’s country:
“The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Her Excellency Delcy RodrÃguez Gómez and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C. MP, held a meeting today at the Permanent Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations in New York, United States, within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
President RodrÃguez Gómez and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar held a cordial working meeting heralding the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the historical bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, while reiterating their commitment to consolidating the bilateral agenda under the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, good neighborliness, dialogue, and cooperation, for the benefit and prosperity of both peoples.
“In that spirit, they agreed on a work agenda aimed at strengthening exchange and mutual benefit in the areas of trade, energy, security, disaster risk management, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism, air connectivity and culture.
President RodrÃguez Gómez reiterated the gratitude of the People of Venezuela to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago for the expressions of solidarity offered following the earthquakes of June 24, 2026.
“With the purpose of maintaining a direct consultation mechanism at the highest level, both dignitaries agreed to pay official visits to Caracas and Port of Spain. The Venezuelan side indicated that the Prime Minister was indeed Persona Grata in Venezuela.
Finally, they ratified their determination to continue promoting a relationship of friendship, good neighborliness, trust, and cooperation, aimed at generating concrete opportunities for development and well-being for the peoples of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean.”
No dates have been set for official visits.
Persad-Bissessar returns on Thursday morning.
