Caracas, February 3, 2025. – “We must remain united in the defense of our peoples. Saint Lucia will always be part of this effort to improve the quality of life of our nations.”

With these words, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, reaffirmed his commitment during his participation in the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held in Venezuela.

Pierre reiterated his support for Cuba and Venezuela in the face of foreign aggressions, particularly the sanctions and blockades imposed by the United States government.

He also emphasized the importance of unity among free nations to continue resisting external attacks.

For Saint Lucia, Agroalba and the defense of peace remain priorities. Additionally, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the defense of human rights and the respect for migrants

Caracas, February 3, 2025. – During the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, proposed the development of additional political strategies in the region.

In his view, these strategies must go beyond economic and investment matters.

“We must demonstrate greater dedication and commitment—an extraordinary dedication aligned with solidarity—and focus on using that to overcome challenges,” he stated.

Additionally, he emphasized that the Alliance’s countries have much to learn from Cuba and Venezuela, two nations that have faced the challenges of economic aggression from imperialism and have established strategies for progress despite this threat.

Skerrit reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to the legacy of Presidents Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, stressing that the Caribbean principles will neither be negotiated nor compromised before any nation.

Caracas, February 3, 2025 – “We must consider what actions we can take together to improve the lives of our peoples and enhance our global production,” stated the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, as he began his address at the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held in Venezuela.

Gonsalves expressed his support for the proposal made by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to activate an air and maritime fleet for the Bolivarian Alliance as soon as possible. Additionally, he called for an acceleration of the AgroALBA initiative to strengthen food sovereignty in the region.

“We must continue to strengthen integration and cooperation. We must work as effectively as possible within the multilateral system, advocate for peace instead of war, and ensure that all regional institutions to which we belong, including ALBA, implement practical applications of achievable goals and build consensus on the way forward,” the Prime Minister stated.

Gonsalves noted that the United States exerts influence through the imposition of tariffs. “The response of governments to these tariffs must be to foster greater stability,” he explained, while pointing out that the economic measures imposed by the United States on China, Mexico, and Canada will create further contradictions in the global economy.

“It will not be easy for those of us in the developing world to deal with the effects of the contradictions stemming from the nationalist factions of this monopolistic capitalism,” Gonsalves warned.

Likewise, he voiced his support for the defense of migrants’ human rights, as well as for the promotion of science and artificial intelligence to benefit the member states of ALBA.

Caracas, February 3, 2025 – Defending the rights of all migrant citizens, particularly those from Latin America and the Caribbean, and highlighting their contributions to the economic activity of host countries were the key proposals put forward this Monday by the President of the Republic of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega.

During his participation in the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), he asserted that solidarity must be expressed with the peoples who are being mistreated and accused without evidence or due process by the United States government in order to justify their deportation.

He emphasized that this is a reality affecting the region, one that cannot be confronted with weapons but rather with the awareness and dignity of the peoples.

“They are simply discredited; they play with the dignity of the people. Those in power must not forget: the United States had no idea these lands even existed, and they themselves were migrants who arrived in a territory that was not theirs. They simply seized it by force, killing its rightful owners, the indigenous peoples,” he stated.

Likewise, he called on the member countries of the Alliance to advance joint projects, particularly in the development of Artificial Intelligence and the expansion of the AgroALBA project to produce food through this agricultural cooperation agreement.

“Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro agreed to create ALBA alongside the most vulnerable nations, those facing the greatest economic and social difficulties. They developed programs to benefit these peoples, alleviating hunger, generating jobs and production, and ensuring access to oil,” he remarked, while affirming that these leaders always sought to help rather than to threaten.

Caracas, February 3, 2025 – In response to the attacks from the new U.S. administration led by Donald Trump against the region, the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, urged the governments that make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) to respond with unity, integration, and dialogue.

During the 12th ALBA-TCP Extraordinary Summit, held this Monday, the Cuban leader praised the initiative of the Alliance’s Secretariat in convening this Summit to strengthen the region’s shared challenges.

He expressed gratitude for the efforts and demands of governments opposing Cuba’s reclassification by the United States on the infamous list of state sponsors of terrorism.

“The issue is not just about Cuba; the entire region is under threat, and only through integration can we fight against this, as the United States seeks to dictate our choices—either submission or aggression,” he stated.

He called on allied nations to resist provocations from the empire and warned that threats against Latin America will be further exacerbated.

Likewise, the Cuban leader emphasized the need to strengthen an economic agenda that addresses each country’s priorities, to reject the violent and indiscriminate deportation of migrants, and to condemn the transfer of migrants to Guantánamo.

Regarding dialogue, he stressed the importance of enhancing regional coordination and materializing the creation of an Alliance Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation, as agreed upon at the Summit held in Venezuela last December. In his view, this institution will serve as a crucial space for the region’s development.

February 3, 2025 – The 12th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) began this Monday in Caracas, Venezuela.

The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, opened the meeting via videoconference, emphasizing: “First and foremost, we must address the issue of migration, the human right of migrant peoples (…) We must coordinate efforts to demand respect for migrants from our nations, ensuring their human rights and guaranteeing their dignified return to our countries.”

Accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the regional bloc, Jorge Arreaza; the Sectoral Vice President for Communication, Freddy Ñáñez; the Deputy Minister for Latin America of the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, Rander Peña; and the President of the ALBA Bank and Deputy Minister for the Caribbean, Raúl Li Causi, the Head of State underscored that the Alliance must coordinate actions to ensure the respect of human rights and the dignity of migrant populations.

“We must focus on an issue that has been brought to the forefront in recent weeks and will continue to be: the coordination to demand respect for the migrants of our nations, their human rights, their labor rights, and, where applicable, to ensure their dignified return to our countries, where they can reintegrate and become productive citizens in each of our nations,” Maduro stressed.

The Venezuelan President also introduced for discussion the need to dismantle criminal organizations engaged in human trafficking, particularly intensifying the fight against so-called coyotes (individuals who illegally facilitate the movement of people across borders).

In this regard, he pointed out that these groups, linked to the far right, charge Venezuelan migrants between $3,000 and $10,000 to take them to the United States.

Additionally, he proposed the creation of a fund within the ALBA Bank to support migrants from ALBA member countries. This initiative consists of a credit system aimed at facilitating the productive reintegration of migrant entrepreneurs, with an initial proposed capital of $10 million.

Maduro also emphasized that the Bolivarian Alliance must champion the revitalization of CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), “as well as the defense of peace in the region.”

In his view, ALBA-TCP is called upon to consolidate peace through justice, truth, growth, and development.

“ALBA is a world champion of peace and a bold defender of our sovereignty. A proposal is being considered to convene a Political Council of ALBA in one of the capital cities, where foreign ministers can address these matters,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed the need to consolidate AgroALBA.

The Venezuelan leader highlighted that the Alliance has a highly relevant agenda and noted that the regional bloc has successfully updated its work plan. “We have an obligation to ensure that the ALBA agenda accelerates responses and solutions for our peoples, addressing economic, productive, social, cultural, and educational development, as well as social rights, health, life, and peace,” he added.

“A joint intra-ALBA effort is proposed to advance in artificial intelligence, ensuring its safe and sovereign use (…) We propose the immediate establishment of an ALBA Center for Science and Technology focused on artificial intelligence and free technologies, developed collaboratively,” the President stated.

Finally, he called for the consolidation of AgroALBA and for further progress on the proposal to create an ALBA fishing fleet, as well as a transportation plan for acquiring ships and aircraft to establish independent means for product distribution.

Havana, January 31, 2025 – This Friday, the 6th International Conference for World Balance concluded in Cuba, a forum that brought together 1,233 delegates from 98 countries. The event was convened by the Presidency of the island, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the José Martí Project of World Solidarity.

The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, delivered the closing speech, emphasizing the significance of this gathering as a space for debate, despite the pressures and threats faced by some countries to deter them from visiting Cuba.

He highlighted critical issues in the current global context, including the blockade against Cuba, the necessity for the Panama Canal to belong to the Panamanians, the genocide against the Palestinian people, and the misuse of social media worldwide.

“The U.S. administrations have been Israel’s greatest supporter and vice versa, which is also evident in Cuba’s case, as both countries vote each year against ending the criminal economic, commercial, and financial blockade,” he stated.

Regarding the conference, he noted that it now paves the way for action, stemming from a critical debate that draws from diverse experiences, demonstrating the enduring relevance of José Martí’s thought.

Following his address, the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza, underscored the importance of such spaces for debate in advancing humanity’s well-being.

“Twenty-five years ago, there was little discussion about a multipolar world, yet now that it has emerged, it is imperative to work urgently to consolidate it for the benefit of humanity,” he remarked.

He added that ALBA was the first group of nations to come together for the greater good of the world.

“In this conference, the goal has been to balance the world beyond the capitalist system—a system that must be dismantled through the enlightenment of knowledge and the spirit of free peoples.”

Member of the European Parliament Irene Montero stressed that the Cuban people must not be abandoned, as they have endured decades of a criminal and illegal blockade, condemned and rejected by all the world’s peoples, except for the two most aggressive terrorist powers in human history.

Venezuela’s Deputy Minister for Latin America, Rander Peña, stated that for his country, this gathering represents a fundamental principle rather than a mere aspiration. “It is a guarantee that world balance must be upheld among united nations. A sign of the world’s deterioration is the resurgence of fascism. We seek a fairer and more equitable world, which demands determined action from us.”

Meanwhile, the representative from Slovenia affirmed that over the four-day conference, the coalition of humanity worked towards a shared vision of a new balance between the ecosystem and human needs.

Argentina’s delegation expressed its commitment to redoubling efforts to expand solidarity initiatives and support the World Marathon of Love for Cuba.

Mario Nájera, a member of the World Council of the José Martí Project of Solidarity, stressed the need for immediate and resolute efforts in organizing and promoting the 7th International Conference for World Balance.

David Adler, representing the Progressive International, stated that the balance of the world and the global economy is shifting with the emergence of new multipolar institutions and the increasing ability of Global South nations to pursue independent economic paths.

One of the most notable interventions came from the U.S. representative, who pledged support for a sovereign Venezuela and opposed sanctions, military threats, and foreign interference.

Lastly, the Secretary of the Communist Youth of Türkiye called for respecting the sovereignty of nations and putting an end to illegal blockades and the use of force.

Havana, January 31, 2025 – “Without a doubt, imperialism, in a new phase that is practically fascist, seeks to dominate by force, by imposition from the government in Washington. This is a reaction to the rise of a multipolar world, an attempt to regain power—power that is already irrecoverable. However, it resorts to the only tool left: imposition and force. That is why it is so crucial for Our America to bet on unity, to coordinate our policies—policies for the well-being and happiness of our peoples.”

These were the words of Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), in an exclusive interview with Telesur this Friday from Havana, Cuba. He emphasized that, due to imperialist attacks, among other issues, the Alliance and the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, have convened an extraordinary summit of the regional bloc on Monday, February 3.

“Yesterday (January 30), President Maduro announced this special meeting, this extraordinary summit, not only to follow up on ALBA’s strategic agenda—an agenda as diverse as covering health, artificial intelligence, complementary trade, a single currency, and the opportunities of new technologies—but also to defend the rights of Latin American and Caribbean migrant populations, regional peace, and the sovereignty of our nations. These are efforts undertaken only by the governments and peoples within our Bolivarian Alliance today,” he asserted.

Arreaza stressed that it is difficult to find another integration mechanism capable of standing up and raising its voice against the imposition attempts of U.S. imperialism.

“In ALBA, where we truly represent sovereign peoples and governments, we come together, we unite our forces to face any challenge. In this case, the challenge is this new phase of imposition—or attempted imposition—from Washington,” he added.

Regarding the possibility of dialogue with the United States, Arreaza stated, “Dialogue with them—to have any effect in our Latin American and Caribbean region—must be based precisely on moral and ethical strength.”

Furthermore, the Executive Secretary advocated for continued efforts to strengthen complementarity among the Alliance’s member states, as well as to evaluate each nation’s economic and productive advantages to foster mutual cooperation.

In this regard, he mentioned that a technology development center for ALBA-TCP is set to be inaugurated in Venezuela this year. “With the strengths of Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua, we will exchange capabilities to, for example, create infrastructure for artificial intelligence—an artificial intelligence rooted in ethical and moral values, solidarity, and respect for human beings,” he noted.

He reiterated that the era of multipolarity is not just emerging—it is already shaping history.

Additionally, Arreaza recalled that the Alliance recently established a cooperation agency that will seek financing—without conditions—worldwide, “to meet the needs of our peoples in areas such as health, education, production, housing, and social infrastructure.”

Finally, regarding the 6th International Conference for World Balance, held in Cuba from January 28 to 31, Jorge Arreaza described these gatherings as a great initiative of the Cuban Revolution. “Of course, we at the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America are fully engaged, working to ensure that these proposals go beyond ideas and materialize into concrete actions for the transformation of humanity,” he concluded.