The first Political and Academic Forum on the Situation in Colombia concluded this Friday with a proposal to establish a political dialogue process for peace, with the mediation of Venezuela, the President of Honduras, Xiomara Castro, in her capacity as Pro Tempore President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC in Spanish), and the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

This announcement was made by Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil Pinto, at the Casa Amarilla Antonio José de Sucre in Caracas, during the closing of the forum, which was convened this Thursday in response to the escalating crisis in Colombia, following the public allegations of an attempted coup by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The Venezuelan diplomat highlighted that Caracas would host the dialogue, and warmly welcomed the “proposal from the large Colombian community in Venezuela to engage with the initiatives put forward by this forum, which was conducted under the noble principles of solidarity.”

Gil Pinto also pointed out that the forum reached a consensus on the “importance of political and diplomatic relations between Venezuela and Colombia, which have gained positive momentum since their renewal two years ago with the inauguration of President Petro’s government.”

Venezuela’s initiative seeks to contribute to the strengthening of political stability in the neighboring Bolivarian nation and, consequently, to counter the threat of coup attempts against President Petro. This effort takes into account, among other factors, the millions of Colombian nationals who live, work, and contribute to Venezuelan society.

Cancillería Venezuela