Caracas, April 9, 2025 — During the 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in the Republic of Honduras, regional leaders expressed strong support for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the face of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the growing aggression against Venezuelan migrants. Through a collective commitment, Heads of State reaffirmed the importance of Latin American unity as a fundamental pillar in confronting international adversity.
A call for sovereignty and Human Rights
The President of the Republic of Honduras, Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, highlighted the struggle of the Venezuelan people, stating: “We recognize the rights of the Bolivarian people of Venezuela for their fight for independence and sovereignty.”
In this regard, President Castro emphasized the need to prioritize peace and social justice over a neoliberal model that has undermined the economic foundations of numerous Latin American nations.
Referring to the consequences of U.S. interventionism, she underscored: “Washington’s neoliberal model has destroyed our economies,” issuing a call for integration and solidarity among the peoples of Latin America in these times of crisis.
Migration as a collective concern
For his part, the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, echoed the call for a collective solution to the migration crisis, warning against the dehumanization of migrants.
“Migrants are not criminals and must not arrive in chains,” he stated, adding that such an oppressive approach must be rejected in favor of human dignity. Petro stressed that cooperation and mutual aid are essential to addressing migratory challenges, urging nations to unite around a common agenda.
A message of hope from Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of the United Mexican States, also joined this chorus of solidarity, affirming that migrants are heroes and heroines who sustain both Mexico and the U.S. economy.
In strong terms, she condemned the sanctions affecting the welfare of nations: “No to the blockade against Cuba. No to the blockade against Venezuela.”
The importance of regional unity
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez endorsed this call for unity, stating: “Addressing migration with confinement threatens the peace of the region.”
In his speech, he urged countries to speak with one voice in international forums to strengthen cooperation and regional solidarity.
Overcoming challenges: the vision of Brazil and Bolivia
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, emphasized that Latin America and the Caribbean are facing one of the most critical moments in their history, and that differences must be set aside in order to unite against the interference of major powers.
Similarly, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, criticized U.S. protectionism, which threatens regional economies, asserting that such measures will not resolve the crisis, but rather exacerbate it.
The 9th CELAC Summit reaffirmed the fundamental role of solidarity in building a future where human rights and dignity are paramount. In the face of a hostile global context, Latin America stands as a beacon of hope and unity, seeking common paths toward fair and equitable development for all its peoples.
The struggle for sovereignty and social justice remains the banner uniting member states in defense of those most in need.
Prensa Presidencial