Former Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia.

Photo: File.

The president of Venezuela,

with a view to reestablishing bilateral relations, interrupted in 2019.

During a public address, the president specified that the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry asked the approval of the Colombian government of Gustavo Petro regarding the appointment of Plasencia, of whom Maduro highlighted his "great political experience and relationship capacity."

The head of state also stressed that Venezuela will advance with sure steps in the reestablishment and reconstruction of political, diplomatic and commercial relations between the two South American nations.

At the time of his appointment as ambassador in Bogotá, Félix Plasencia served as president of the International Investment Center of Venezuela, and also held the positions of Minister of Tourism and ambassador to China.

The Venezuelan president also reported on the integration of a special team to deal with the binational agenda, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, which will address "a very serious plan" for the progressive opening of the border.

In recent statements,

“I extend my hand to President Gustavo Petro and the Colombian people, to rebuild brotherhood on the basis of respect and love.

Let's take advantage of this second opportunity that the new president of Colombia mentions, for the sake of happiness and peace,” said the dignitary.

During a meeting held at the end of July, the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Faría, and Álvaro Leyva, Foreign Minister appointed by President Gustavo Petro, addressed various issues of binational interest, such as peace and security plans for the entire border, and the economic and commercial opening of the border line.

In a joint statement,

with the appointment of ambassadors and other diplomatic and consular officials.

They also reaffirmed the commitment to make joint efforts to guarantee security and peace in the border region, and supported the dialogue in favor of building paths of peace, respect and mutual understanding, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported in a press release.

In February 2019, the president of Venezuela announced the decision to break political and diplomatic relations with Colombia, blaming the administration of former president Iván Duque (2018-2022) for supporting aggression against the Bolivarian nation, in collusion with the United States and the extreme Venezuelan right.

See also:

Colombia: Peace talks with the ELN will resume in Havana

(With information from Prensa Latina)