Caracas, December 10, 2024 – The Bicentennial of the Call for the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama: Relevance of the Bolivarian Doctrine was the central theme of the parliamentary videoconference held this Tuesday from Venezuela’s National Assembly (AN).

The Parliamentary Network of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) took center stage during this event, delivering a message of unity and integration among peoples amidst a world shaken by the damages of capitalism and the onslaughts of U.S. imperialism.

Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the regional bloc, emphasized that for the Bolivarian Alliance, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary (December 14, 2004), unity in the Global South is of paramount importance.

“I believe that, by embracing the fundamental idea of Bolívar, the origins of our Liberators, but especially the vision of Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro in creating ALBA, this is the moment for integration. We can no longer delay; despite all contradictions, we must move forward in this direction,” Arreaza declared.

Deputy Blanca Eekhout, Chair of the AN’s Communal Development Committee, stressed the importance of unity in the current global context. “This is why the ALBA Parliamentary Network is here with us, along with our brother Jorge Arreaza, the Executive Secretary of the Alliance (…) This event is crucial in renewing these banners, which are more necessary today than ever,” she asserted.

Deputy Juan Romero, representing Zulia state, noted that the Bolivarian Alliance is playing a leading role in this historical moment, striving to build a new world grounded in the voice of the people.

Through videoconference, Argentine writer Néstor Coa highlighted the enduring relevance of commemorating the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, stating that “it underscores the need for unity in our region against the great powers.”

Yoerky Sánchez, Chair of the Cuba-Venezuela Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Dorindo Cortéz, President of the Central American Parliament (Panama), agreed on the importance of historical memory as a tool to strengthen the consciousness of the people and avoid repeating past mistakes. “We are committed to true integration,” Cortéz added.

Ecuadorian Deputy Jhajaira Urresta remarked: “For our country, it is essential to be here this morning. Today, we remember three great figures—Simón Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre, and Manuela Sáenz. Two hundred years is no small milestone as we continue to strive for independence and freedom.”

“The best way to honor Liberator Simón Bolívar is to promote Latin American integration,” Venezuelan Deputy Saúl Ortega said. Similarly, Venezuelan Deputy Tania Díaz stated that both past and present imperialism have sabotaged the region’s unification efforts, urging the strengthening of fraternal bonds.

“Only by uniting can we counteract the advance of neofascism,” Díaz concluded from the National Parliament.