by Linda Straker
- First official visit to Venezuela since becoming Prime Minister in June 2022
- PM scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Venezuelan President
- Oil and gas not on the current agenda according to Press Secretary
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and other government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Andall, are paying an official one-day visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
This is his first official visit to the South American nation since becoming Prime Minister in June 2022. During the official visit on Monday, 28 April, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with President Nicolás Maduro Moros to discuss key areas of interests.
“The visit underscores the longstanding relationship between Grenada and Venezuela and reflects both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education and tourism,” said a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Press Secretary Neila Ettienne said that oil and gas discussions are not on the agenda for discussion. “Oil and gas is not on the current agenda, but if it is raised, I will share outcomes as it comes my way,” she confirmed by text when asked if the topic would be discussed.
The release said that the Government of Grenada reaffirms its commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with all its partners and looks forward to further deepening the bonds with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The delegation is scheduled to return on 29 April.
In September 2022, approximately 3 months after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) became the government, a government official said it had held preliminary discussions with Venezuela regarding the repayment of over EC$370 million owed to the South American country.
“Venezuela was another one we had fruitful bilateral relations with; they indicated that soon they will be resuming the PetroCaribe agreement. This could not have come at a better time considering the generally high price of fuel on the international market,” Foreign Affairs Minister Andall said at the post-cabinet news conference.