Caracas, December 14, 2024 – The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, affirmed that the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was established to confront the world’s inequalities, stating that “there is no other movement like this.”

During his speech at the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance, held in Caracas this Saturday, Skerrit emphasized the importance of unity among the members of this regional bloc. “It is crucial that we remain united, because there will always be attempts to create problems to foster division or issues where none exist.”

He urged the continuation of the Alliance’s foundational principles and encouraged collaborative efforts to overcome challenges. “We must work together, not only as heads of state and government but also within our own political structures, bringing unity to all regional groups.”

Additionally, Skerrit condemned the blockade against Cuba and unilateral measures imposed on Venezuela and Nicaragua.

“We congratulate President Nicolás Maduro on his electoral victory on July 28. We wish him all the best. Since becoming President of Venezuela, you have upheld the mandate of President Chávez with great commitment to the Venezuelan people… We also want to reaffirm our solidarity with the Cuban people, a brave nation for whom we have the utmost respect and love. We will never cease to raise our voices against the United States to demand the lifting of the blockade against Cuba,” he declared.

Caracas, December 14, 2024 – Drums, flags, and the new song Somos el ALBA set the stage for the remarks of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, during the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). The summit, held in Caracas this Saturday, marked the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc’s founding by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.

During his address, the Head of State highlighted that in the private session, presidents and prime ministers agreed that “humanity now has a great opportunity to experience, for the first time, a world without hegemons, empires, or colonialism.”

“Today, with the ALBA Agenda, we are charting significant progress in a new political, economic, and social offensive that ALBA will activate at this moment for a springtime of advancement and unity,” President Maduro announced.

The first initiative discussed was AgroALBA, a program focused on food production, agreed upon through memoranda of understanding with Caribbean and African countries. “A new phase of Petrocaribe is also on the horizon, which will be led by Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez. Together, we will invest in and produce oil and gas through joint ventures. The Orinoco Oil Belt will serve as the stage for this new phase of Petrocaribe,” he explained.

The President also mentioned discussions about new investments in technology. This includes plans to sign the Peoples’ Trade Treaty (TCP) to enhance trade facilitation between Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We discussed the revival of monetary and trade exchange platforms, supported by the concept of the Sucre, and our monetary and financial authorities will bring this to fruition… We also addressed challenges in science and technology, artificial intelligence, and social media,” he revealed.

President Maduro further announced that the Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Bolivarian Alliance for Our Peoples is ready to be inaugurated. This project was initially discussed during the previous ALBA Summit in Havana, Cuba.

He emphasized that ALBA-TCP remains a pathway to peace and reiterated the importance of unity and building a protective wall for the region.

Another key challenge for ALBA, according to the Venezuelan leader, is supporting Haiti. “Despite limitations, we must help Haiti regain peace. ALBA has specific directives to advance in every way possible to support Haiti,” he affirmed.

Caracas, December 14, 2024 – The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, inaugurated the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) this Saturday. The event took place at the Convention Center of La Carlota Air Base, in Caracas, marking the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc’s founding by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.

The Venezuelan Head of State extended a warm welcome to the presidents, prime ministers, and delegates of the member countries of the Alliance, as well as to representatives from invited nations, including Haiti, Palestine, and Honduras.

President Maduro also greeted the ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary, Jorge Arreaza, and members of ALBA Movements, alongside other social organizations from across the region.

ALBA was founded on December 14, 2004, in Havana, Cuba, through the signing of a Joint Declaration and the Agreement for the Implementation of ALBA by Commanders Hugo Chávez Frías, then President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Fidel Castro Ruz, then President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.

The Alliance is currently composed of 10 member states: Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Caracas, December 13, 2024. Delegations from member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) met this Friday at “Casa amarilla Antonio José de Sucre” in Caracas to draft a proposal outlining action lines aimed not only at achieving the goals set forth in the 2030 Strategic Agenda but also at addressing the political, geopolitical, and economic challenges of the 2025-2030 period.

The People’s Power Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yván Gil, announced that on Saturday, during the 24th ALBA-TCP Summit in Caracas, this proposal document will be presented to Venezuela’s host President Nicolás Maduro. The proposals are designed to “position the Alliance as a powerful geopolitical actor.”

“This is a significant challenge for these new times. Our heads of state have an important responsibility tomorrow: to chart a clear course for the coming year amid the complexity we are describing. We all understand the global implications and know we face a moment of political uncertainty in the region. Our goal is to prepare ourselves to provide greater security for our peoples,” the Foreign Minister explained.

The 24th ALBA-TCP Summit—featuring special guests from Honduras and Palestine—coincides with the 20th anniversary of this integration bloc. ALBA-TCP was established on December 14, 2004, when the then-presidents of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, and Cuba, Fidel Castro, signed the founding agreement in Havana.

“Tomorrow, we will tell the world that, 20 years later, we reaffirm and uphold every one of the principles of solidarity, cooperation, collaboration, and complementarity that define the Bolivarian Alliance,” ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary Jorge Arreaza stated.

ALBA-TCP was founded in opposition to the failed U.S. initiative to establish the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Its member nations include Bolivia, Nicaragua, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Cuba, and Venezuela. The bloc consistently highlights the progress of Latin America and the Caribbean while reaffirming the necessity of strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation to support regional integration programs.

The 2030 Strategic Agenda outlines seven key lines of action: the creation of an ALBA-TCP cooperation and development agency; the study and approval of the Petrocaribe relaunch plan; endorsement of the ALBA Food plan; the formal signing and definitive acceptance of the Peoples’ Trade Treaty (TCP); the promotion of a special program for shared scientific, cultural, communication, and academic development; the relaunch of the ALBA Health plan; and the establishment of an ALBA agency to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Prensa Cancillería Venezuela

Caracas, December 13, 2024 – This Friday, the Social Movements Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) convened in Caracas, Venezuela, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc, founded by commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro on December 14, 2004.

The Executive Secretary of the Alliance, Jorge Arreaza, inaugurated the meeting with representatives from 25 nations (including 10 ALBA member countries). He highlighted that the Council would be led by an initial coordinating team comprising Cuba, the Simón Bolívar Institute, ALBA Movements, and the International Assembly of Peoples. “We do not need bureaucracies or secretariats, but we must coordinate as never before,” he clarified.

Arreaza emphasized that this gathering must generate proposals for the presidents and heads of state of the Alliance, who will meet on December 14 at the ALBA-TCP Summit in Caracas to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the bloc’s foundation.

The Council is also tasked with drafting proposals that can be submitted to the United Nations or other international summits. “We must be able to formally raise our voices in diplomatic exchanges between states, based on what you, as the social council, present. This is not a body meant to replace any movement,” he stated.

Carlos Ron, President of the Simón Bolívar Institute for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples, described the meeting as an opportunity for debate and collaboration. He stressed the importance of reinvigorating the Social Movements Council, which originated during the ALBA-TCP Summit held in Lara State, Venezuela.

Sayonara Tamayo and Manuel Bertoldi, representatives of ALBA Movements, underscored the Council’s critical role in addressing global geopolitical challenges and fostering collaboration among ALBA and its peoples.

Sergio Arria, representing the Network of Intellectuals, Artists, and Social Movements in Defense of Humanity, called for the meeting to focus on unity and the development of mechanisms to shield the region from the impacts of capitalism and imperialism.

The goal of this event, held in anticipation of the Alliance’s 20th-anniversary celebration on Saturday, December 14, is to strengthen the ALBA-TCP Social Movements Council by jointly analyzing the current political and social landscape.

Additionally, the meeting will facilitate the adoption of a work methodology, the 2025 action plan, and the Social World Alternative proposed by the Social Movements Council.

Caracas, December 12, 2024 – São Tomé and Príncipe and Venezuela signed the Agroalba agreement this Thursday, making São Tomé and Príncipe the first African nation to join this initiative of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

“This signing today is highly significant for the Bolivarian Alliance and for the peoples of Our America, because when Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro envisioned ALBA as a new dawn for Latin America and the Caribbean, they also thought about the Global South. They thought about Africa, Asia, and the countries then referred to as developing nations. True humanity is present in the ALBA project,” Jorge Arreaza said, Executive Secretary of the regional bloc.

Agroalba, like Petrocaribe, is a productive alliance with countries of the Global South, wherein ALBA member nations make land available for investments, job creation, research, “and to ensure what is most important for our peoples: food security,” Arreaza emphasized from ALBA’s headquarters in Caracas, Venezuela.

He added: “This is the first African country to join an ALBA-TCP initiative. I am sure that Commander Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro are pleased with this alliance. We believe Agroalba and the strengthening of ties between our countries and Africa will build bridges for the future and shape the power and geopolitical distribution of the world; they will define humanity’s future.”

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, regarded the agreement as highly significant, as it marks the inclusion of a territory from another region into the Alliance, advancing the construction of an economic, financial, and people-centered architecture, always in alignment with ALBA-TCP principles.

“This is a very strong bond. It is extremely important for ALBA to move forward with productive agricultural cooperation with São Tomé and with Africa, strengthening our relations,” Gil stated.

Venezuela’s Minister of Productive Agriculture and Lands, Menry Fernández, highlighted that Agroalba represents the union of brotherly continents. He described this integration as part of the dream of the Liberator Simón Bolívar.

Similarly, São Tomé and Príncipe’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Abel Da Silva Bom Jesus, called the agreement a historic milestone. “This is the beginning of a new alliance, a bridge we are building. This bridge will transform São Tomé and Príncipe,” he remarked.

To conclude the event, Executive Secretary Jorge Arreaza reminded attendees that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda are the other ALBA-TCP countries that have joined Agroalba, “and they have embraced this initiative as an essential opportunity to guarantee food security for their peoples.”

The event was attended by notable figures, including Raúl Li Causi, President of the Bank of ALBA; Yuri Pimentel, Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Africa; and Alex Saab, Minister of Industries and National Production of Venezuela, among other authorities.

Caracas, December 11, 2024. – As part of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP), commemorated on Saturday, December 14, the ALBA Model session was held this Wednesday in Caracas, Venezuela. This event served as a platform for youth-led debate, simulating a Political Council comprising representatives from the bloc’s member nations. The participating youth hailed from various social and political movements.

Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP, welcomed the initiative, stating that “the objective is to train young people who will take on the path of foreign policy, focusing on topics related to the Alliance and strengthening integration processes.” The debate started with remarks from Jennifer Mujica, representing Venezuela, who expressed: “We stand 20 years after a fraternal embrace between two great men, marking a path we are currently traversing. The ALBA Model is an example of the political training and integration shared by our peoples.”

Similarly, Ander Rodríguez, also from the Bolivarian Republic, stressed the need to counter imperialist actions aimed at destabilizing the region through solidarity and the principles of ALBA’s integration. “For us, ALBA represents a strategic political alternative for the integration of Latin America,” he added.

Gabriela Gómez, representing Cuba, and Raúl Giménez, speaking for Bolivia, jointly affirmed that the Bolivarian Alliance and its member nations “do not pose a threat.” Both countries condemned the blockade imposed on Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua while also rejecting the genocide being carried out against Palestine.

Michelle Marquina, on behalf of Nicaragua, and Irene Sivira, representing Dominica, echoed their condemnation of U.S.-imposed sanctions and unilateral measures, while also voicing support for the Palestinian cause. Likewise, Verónica Alí, the delegate from Antigua and Barbuda, decried Israel’s human rights violations in Arab nations.

Yorvin Aray, representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to ALBA-TCP and its principles of promoting social justice. Echoing Aray’s sentiments, Yasser Vielma of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Gabriel Romero of Grenada, and Alejandro Pino of Saint Lucia called for continued defense of sovereignty and peace, both of which have been significantly undermined by major powers.

Guest nations Honduras and Palestine were also represented. Zaray Pérez and Milena Vivas, speaking for their respective countries, defended the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states and emphasized the importance of the solidarity promoted by ALBA.

Darío Vivas, representing the Bank of ALBA, stated that the institution aims to create a humanitarian bridge to aid the Palestinian people. “Additionally, we will explore the possibility of granting scholarships to the people of this nation to foster development opportunities,” he added.

Finally, Rafael Arévalo, acting as the Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP, read the Declaration of the XXV Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance, formulated during the ALBA Model. The declaration called on the International Community to demand the immediate lifting of unilateral coercive measures imposed on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as these measures “flagrantly violate the fundamental principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter.”

It is noteworthy that the Alliance’s Executive Secretariat is planning additional ALBA-TCP models to strengthen political and diplomatic training for the next generation.

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.

San Cristóbal, December 1, 2024.—The International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (Fitven) concluded this Sunday with remarks by Venezuela’s Minister of Tourism, Leticia Gómez; the Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Jorge Arreaza; and the Governor of Táchira State, Freddy Bernal.

Minister Leticia Gómez emphasized that the fair was more than just a meeting; it was an opportunity for exchange, hosting the 6th ALBA-TCP Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism, creating a tourism brand for the Alliance, and facilitating over 40 bilateral meetings aimed at defining future cooperation agreements.

The Executive Secretary of the regional bloc underlined that ALBA is an alliance of nations grounded in the principles of solidarity, cooperation, and complementarity.

“We have the perfect geographical, historical, and ideological conditions to complement each other in every area, especially in tourism. Hopefully, in the future, we can establish a free-movement zone among ourselves as brothers and sisters, to get to know each other better, trade our products, and break free from dependency on other countries that have skillfully exploited both our resources and our needs to their benefit,” he stated.

He added: “All of this provides ample reasons to assert that our Alliance deserves, and is equipped to have, its own International Tourism Fair—Fitalba—to showcase to the entire world our potential and the spirit of our peoples (…) We have everything in ALBA to thrive in tourism.”
Finally, Governor Freddy Bernal expressed his gratitude to Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, for enabling Táchira to host this event dedicated to promoting tourism.

San Cristóbal, November 30, 2024. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, through its Minister of Tourism, Leticia Gómez, signed two agreements on tourism cooperation with Nicaragua and Cuba.

Each memorandum of understanding and cooperation agreement was signed during the 6th Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on Tourism of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held at the International Tourism Fair of Venezuela in Táchira State.

The agreement between Venezuela and Nicaragua strengthens the ties connecting both nations in tourism as an economic activity aimed at benefiting their peoples.

A similar understanding was reached between Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic, with a memorandum of understanding that promotes new forms of economic development relations based on tourism.

Minister Leticia Gómez affirmed that ALBA-TCP serves as the ideal platform to strengthen unity, with tourism playing a key role in this process.