Tegucigalpa, April 8, 2025. – This Tuesday, the meeting of foreign ministers of the countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) began in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, as part of the 9th summit of the regional bloc, with the participation of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina warmly welcomed the attendees and asserted that this meeting is essential to defending and strengthening the unity of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as promoting a shared future.

“We want this meeting to stand as testimony to the will of our peoples and nations to engage in dialogue and to listen to one another in order to find common ground, solutions, and shared perspectives regarding the challenges posed by current global events,” Reina stated.

The diplomat emphasized that CELAC “is the face of our sovereignty and the space where we can come together without external tutelage.”

While presenting the report of CELAC’s Pro Tempore Presidency, held by Honduran President Xiomara Castro, the foreign minister acknowledged the support of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, also a member of the Bolivarian Alliance, for Honduras’ efforts in assuming this significant responsibility.

He noted that the central commitment has always been to strengthen regional unity and ensure food security.

Efforts were also made to promote educational quality, environmental care, and technological sovereignty. “With China, we have consolidated a strategic alliance (…) We activated ties with Africa and resumed the dialogue mechanism with India, which had long remained inactive,” Reina explained.

Caracas, April 7, 2025 – Authorities from the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) met this Monday at the People’s Power Ministry for Foreign Affairs to review the progress of the Agroalba Project.

The meeting, chaired by Foreign Minister Yván Gil, was attended by the People’s Power Minister for Productive Agriculture and Lands, Julio León Heredia; the Minister of Industries and National Production, Alex Saab; the Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP, Jorge Arreaza; and the Vice Minister for Caribbean Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Bank of ALBA, Raúl Li Causi.

Through his social media platforms, Minister Gil emphasized that Agroalba is “a matter of vital importance for Venezuela and Latin America,” highlighting it as a project “aimed at strengthening food sovereignty and defending the rights of our farmers, both women and men.”

As a geopolitical mechanism for strategic partnership in the agricultural sector, Agroalba lays the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable economic development for the benefit of the entire region, while also promoting Petrocaribe and the regional Alliance. It therefore serves as an invitation to investors and entrepreneurs around the world to join in this mission of economic transformation.

Recently, during the 25th ALBA-TCP Political Council, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced the upcoming Expo Agroalba 2025, scheduled to take place from April 24 to 27 in Caracas.

At the time, the Head of State emphasized that the member countries of the integration bloc have vast potential for joint development in the agricultural sector. “We have the land, we have the favorable climate, we have the water resources, we have the valuable experience we have gained,” he stated.

Caracas, April 1, 2025 – The Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, emphasized this Tuesday that the regional bloc, whose Political Council met on Saturday, March 29, in Caracas, made it clear to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the administration of Donald Trump that it will not remain silent in the face of arbitrary actions.

“We saw it in the speeches of any of the ALBA countries; the Alliance does not stop at words alone (…) ALBA will work with a shared ethic,” Arreaza stated, while asserting that the member countries of the regional bloc have made their common stance clear against Marco Rubio’s threats in Latin America and the Caribbean.

During his participation in the podcast Aquí y Ahora, hosted by journalist Julio Riobó through the media outlet La Iguana, Arreaza also discussed the meeting of ALBA’s Ministers of Science and Technology, which was also held last week in Caracas. The discussions focused on the need for new technologies within the Alliance to protect the peoples.

“We must protect our youth, our peoples,” he reaffirmed. The Executive Secretary emphasized that, in addition to new technologies, ALBA must promote alternative transportation options to boost tourism development and the regional economy.

“ALBA is a great undertaking for the unity of Our America (…) We will also offer training programs, postgraduate studies, and doctoral degrees,” he stated.

Migration, the U.S., El Salvador, and the UN

“I am certain that Venezuela and its government will rescue its citizens who are being held hostage in El Salvador and that all this spectacle that has been orchestrated will eventually become nothing more than a bad memory,” Arreaza declared.

He explained that the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, could speak out on this situation, as he has done clearly, but that this forum lacks real power, as it has ceded authority to the major world powers. In the future, he argued, the structure of the organization must be reconsidered.

Regarding the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, the ALBA-TCP Secretary asserted that his is an authoritarian government, which, rather than strengthening security, is merely engaging in media spectacle. He further stated that once Bukele ceases to serve U.S. interests, he will be discarded, as has happened with other leaders.

It is unprecedented for a person to be sent to a third country for a migration-related offense and to be treated in an inhumane manner, as has now occurred with the United States and El Salvador—a country that continues to hold more than 300 Venezuelans hostage, deported by the Donald Trump administration without due process. “This is an atrocity, and we must protect ourselves against such actions (…) I believe the American people will react sooner rather than later,” he added.

The 25th Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) is taking place in a geopolitical context in which imperialism, through manipulation, disinformation, lies, blackmail and threats, imposes unilateral coercive measures to subvert the constitutional order of other countries, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and International Law.

In light of this scenario, the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean have an obligation to safeguard economic stability, the libertarian ideology of our founding fathers, and the sovereignty, independence and self-determination of our peoples.

Therefore, we, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the ALBA-TCP member countries, met to “analyze the challenges of the current geopolitical situation and build a political road map for the upcoming international and multilateral meetings to ratify our commitment to the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace”, and, in that sense:

1. Reaffirm our commitment to the premises of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, conceived on the basis of respect for the norms of International Law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to promote friendly and cooperative relations, the peaceful settlement of disputes, strict compliance with the commitment of non-intervention, directly or indirectly, in the internal affairs of any State, to foster a culture of peace, and to promote nuclear disarmament as a priority goal.
2. Reject and denounce the criminalization of the migration phenomenon and, therefore, the massive deportations and inhumane treatment of migrants by the U.S. government, which is primarily responsible for the migration of thousands of people due to the imposition of unilateral coercive measures resulting in instability in different regions of the world, and forcing a change in the policies of legitimately free, sovereign and independent States.
3. Reject the U.S. policy of turning third countries in Latin America and the Caribbean into migrant receiving and deportation centers, undermining their sovereignty and raising concerns in the international community about the impact on the human rights of migrants.
4. Repudiate the political and media manipulation that justifies deportations as a solution to the migratory crisis, concealing the true structural causes of the phenomenon, ignoring the guarantee and protection of human dignity and human rights and inciting racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and fascism.
5. Demand from the government of the United States of America an urgent and unconditional change in its hostile and inhumane policy towards the sister Republic of Cuba. We reiterate the call of the United Nations General Assembly to put an immediate end to the illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against the Republic of Cuba, which violates the Charter of the United Nations and International Law, has a harmful impact on the human rights of the Cuban people and is the main obstacle to its development.
6. Demand the immediate exclusion of Cuba from the arbitrary and unilateral list of States that allegedly sponsor terrorism, issued by the U.S. Department of State, which intensifies to unprecedented levels the economic siege against that country, with serious consequences for its population.
7. Demand the immediate lifting of the unilateral coercive measures imposed against the peoples and governments of Nicaragua and Venezuela, in violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and International Law, while reaffirming our solidarity with the governments and peoples of both countries in their struggle for the defense of Peace, sovereignty and development with social justice.
8. Welcome the recent approval of the Reform of the Nicaraguan Constitution, which reaffirms the commitment to Latin American and Caribbean integration and the construction of a new world order. We are confident that this progress will strengthen peace, stability and the well-being of the Nicaraguan people. We express our recognition to the Co-Presidents of the Republic of Nicaragua, Commander Daniel Ortega and Comrade Rosario Murillo, for leading this process of historic transformation for the benefit of their nation.
9. Repudiate the recent statements of the U.S. government about its intentions in the Palestinian territory that legitimize the invasion by Israel, the occupying power. We demand the immediate cessation of the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and the outrageous and aberrant media humiliation, ignoring the suffering of the Palestinian people. We also reaffirm our strongest support for the Palestinian people and government in their historic struggle for survival, resilience and courage and for the recognition of a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
10. Reaffirm our support for the Caribbean countries in their legitimate demand for reparations for the heinous crimes of slavery and colonialism, which have left deep scars on our societies. ALBA joins the voices of CARICOM leaders in firmly expressing the need for the former colonial powers to assume their historical responsibility and recognize the lasting impact of these crimes in order to make progress in the process of comprehensive reparations to compensate for all the damages caused. Only through historical justice and the recognition of these grievances we can guarantee the dignified advancement of our nations towards a future of equality and development.
11. Support the AgroAlba and Alba Azul projects as fundamental mechanisms to guarantee agri-food and livestock sovereignty in Latin America and the Eastern Caribbean and to counteract dependence on imports, which makes them more vulnerable in the current situation of tariff wars. We reaffirm our commitment to these productive integration efforts, which strengthen food security, regional cooperation and sustainable development, promoting an economic model of solidarity and self-sufficiency. We emphasize the fundamental role of traditional agriculture in diversified food production, promoting local and regional consumption as a key strategy to fight malnutrition and extreme poverty. In this sense, it is important to advance in the conceptualization and definition of food sovereignty.
12. Express our strong support for the critical review process of the coca leaf being carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. This process is vital to ensure that the classification of the coca leaf under the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs is based on objective scientific criteria. We reiterate the need for this review process to be transparent, rigorous and respectful of the indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge, while making a clear distinction between the traditional and legal use of the coca leaf and its use in illicit activities. We recognize that the coca leaf has been an essential element in the indigenous cultures of our region for centuries, with medicinal, ritual and nutritional practices.
13. Reiterate our gratitude and recognition of Cuban medical cooperation programs, which save countless lives and constitute a very important pillar of the region’s health systems, including in countries of the Alliance and others in the region, and in this context we strongly reject the administrative measures and political pressure imposed by the United States government, which attempt to deprive States of their legitimate right to implement solidarity programs to promote well-being and the enjoyment of access to health.
14. Reaffirm the prompt reactivation of cooperation and solidarity mechanisms to restore stability, peace, democracy, social and economic development to the Republic of Haiti. ALBA-TCP will work to help guarantee the fundamental rights of the Haitian people, giving a resurgence of hopes and victories for our sister Haiti, a nation of heroes and heroines, who historically have been able to overcome adversities and be an example of emancipation, solidarity, freedom and independence of the entire Great Homeland.
15. Welcome the incorporation of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis into the Bank of ALBA, thus consolidating the full participation of all member states in the financial branch of the Alliance. This membership reaffirms ALBA’s commitment to the construction of a new regional financial architecture based on cooperation, complementarity and solidarity.
16. Celebrate the Bicentennial of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, as a transcendental milestone commemorating two centuries of struggles and achievements of its independence. We highlight this celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the revolutionary process that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 6, 1825. Likewise, we welcome the invitation to commemorate this historic date, reaffirming regional fraternity and the recognition of Nations and Peoples in the construction of a common future.
17. Salute the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on the celebration of its 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held on April 9, 2025, in the Republic of Honduras. We highlight the productive leadership of President Xiomara Castro and her team at the head of the Pro Tempore Presidency of CELAC (2024-2025) and their contributions to the strengthening of unity and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, while we wish success to the people of Colombia and to President Gustavo Petro, who will hold the PPT of CELAC for the period 2025-2026.
18. Welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between ALBA-TCP and SADC, as a first step towards strengthening relations with other sub-regional organizations that share the same principles of the Alliance, as well as the consolidation of South-South cooperation, in accordance with the objectives outlined in the 2030 ALBA-TCP Strategic Agenda.
19. In the face of the resurgence of the extremist and fascist right in Our America, we reaffirm the need to reinforce a strategic political vision of union, based on the firm determination to build a better future for humanity.

Caracas, March 29, 2025

Caracas, March 29, 2025 – Caracas will host the meeting of ministers of economy, agriculture, fisheries, and trade of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), which is set to take place from April 24 to 27.

The announcement was made by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, who emphasized the importance of “continuing to pave the way” toward a more sovereign and multidimensional economy.

During his address, Maduro stressed the need for immediate consultation with Heads of State and Government whenever doubts arise, urging swift resolution of uncertainties to advance the development of ALBA-TCP member states.

“In every area of development within our countries, we must craft sovereign, homegrown solutions,” he declared, underscoring the importance of economic independence.

The Venezuelan President evoked the legacy of historical leaders such as Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, along with figures of independence, asking: “Can we have more powerful images than those of Bolívar, Martí, Morazán, or José Gervasio Artigas?” He also reaffirmed the relevance of their teachings in the ongoing struggle for sovereignty.

Addressing the current geopolitical landscape, Maduro warned that “a colonial geopolitical strategy for global domination has been activated”, adding that “force is being used to alter the real balance of power, which could otherwise enable the emergence of a new multicentric and multipolar world.”

In this context, he recalled discussions from the 1970s regarding a “new international order” and a “new economic order.”

The ALBA-TCP meeting represents a key opportunity to strengthen cooperation among member nations and advance toward a fairer, more sovereign economic model, aligning with President Maduro’s vision of constructing independent solutions to global challenges.

Source: Prensa Presidencial

Caracas, March 29, 2025 – During the 25th Meeting of the Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, affirmed that for Venezuela and the region, “being a colony or a neocolony is not an option”, as the only alternative is to continue the struggle for independence and sovereignty.

The Head of State also emphasized that twenty years have passed strengthening the unity of the revolutionary political project, in which “two brilliant and immortal figures in the history of America” founded ALBA-TCP—an organization created for the well-being of the peoples and committed to defending peace, sovereignty, and freedom.

He underscored the importance of scientific development in the region, stating: “The creation of a scientific project bank is crucial, leveraging Cuba’s vast expertise along with the advancements made through the Great Mission for Science, Technology, and Innovation ‘Dr. Humberto Fernández-Morán’.”

Maduro reaffirmed that from April 24 to 27, the Agroalba Exhibition will take place, a unique initiative within the bloc aimed at promoting food sovereignty.

Furthermore, he declared: “ALBA-TCP is the most complete synthesis of centuries of struggle in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. In the pursuit of a shared destiny of dignity, honor, equality, justice, democracy, and true freedom, ALBA stands as a source of pride for all fighting peoples.”

Source: Prensa Presidencial

Caracas, March 29, 2025 – Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), announced this Saturday that the Agroalba Exhibition will take place from April 24 to April 27, showcasing the productive potential of the alliance’s member countries.

Closing the discussions at the 25th ALBA-TCP Political Council, held in Caracas as agreed during the 12th Extraordinary Summit of ALBA Heads of State on February 3, Arreaza emphasized that following this meeting, a gathering of Ministers of Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade, and Economy from ALBA-TCP countries is scheduled as part of the Agroalba Exhibition.

“We will request input from all member countries to organize the exhibition and the ministerial meeting. At that event, we will receive the findings of a study conducted by the Latin American Economic System (SELA) on the economies, productive potential, and commercial capacities of our nations—findings that have been endorsed by their respective governments,” he explained.

The Executive Secretary stated that once these aspects are in place, it will be possible to begin constructing a matrix for economic complementarity among our economies. “Of course, we must also address logistics—just as we need ships and aircraft for trade, we also need payment mechanisms,” he remarked, referencing the ALBA currency as an example.

Regarding the Sucre, he noted that this currency must be reassessed in light of new technologies. He also urged the development of catalog-based trading mechanisms to enable member countries to overcome obstacles and external aggression by paying for exchanged goods in their own currencies in the future.

Caracas, March 29, 2025 – Lance Browne, Senior Consular Affairs Officer of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighted this Saturday that the Agroalba food sovereignty program will further strengthen the solidarity of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

During the 25th Political Council of the regional bloc, held at Casa Amarilla Antonio José de Sucre in Caracas, Browne asserted that now more than ever, the unity of the Bolivarian Alliance is both important and essential.

“We are meeting in an unpredictable period for the hemisphere, with the potential for tremendous immediate implications in establishing meaningful dialogue among key actors of our ongoing solidarity,” he stated.

“It is absolutely crucial—now more than ever—that we stand united to manage the possible economic, political, and social consequences. Now is the time—the time for strategic diplomatic engagement and regional solidarity,” he declared.

The Senior Consular Affairs Officer of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that, as governments, we have the responsibility to ensure that our region remains a zone of peace, “fostering economic stability and sustainable growth for all independent citizens. We must continue to defend our sovereignty, guided by the noble ideals of the exemplary leaders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, for a united Latin America and the Caribbean.”

He stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, aimed at promoting friendly and cooperative relations, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to the commitment of non-intervention—whether direct or indirect—in the internal affairs of any state.

“It is essential to foster a culture of peace and promote nuclear disarmament. Therefore, it is important—indeed, imperative—that we continue our efforts to implement the programs identified for the development of ALBA member countries, as concrete responses to the political threats currently imposed by the United States,” he warned.

According to the diplomat, “It is our collective dedication to functional cooperation that will help us navigate these consequences. The current Agroalba initiative is a key strategic plan that will further reinforce our solidarity as the ALBA family, with the potential to transform the agricultural landscape.”