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Venezuela reverses its earlier position on Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Leaders agree to deepen bilateral ties during a New York meeting.
Venezuela has declared Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar persona grata following a meeting with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in New York on Wednesday, marking a significant change in relations between the neighbouring countries.
The meeting took place at Venezuela’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on the sidelines of the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly. A joint statement issued afterward described the talks as cordial and said they marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations.
The two leaders reaffirmed the historical ties between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago and agreed to pursue cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty, good neighbourliness, dialogue and cooperation. Their proposed work agenda includes trade, energy, security, disaster-risk management, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism, air connectivity and culture.
The leaders also agreed to establish a direct consultation mechanism at the highest level and to make official visits to Caracas and Port of Spain. No dates for those visits have yet been announced.
The change reverses a decision by Venezuela’s National Assembly in October 2025 to declare Persad-Bissessar persona non grata. That decision came during a period of heightened tensions between Caracas and Port of Spain, including disagreements over U.S. military activity in the Caribbean.
Energy is expected to be an important component of the renewed relationship. The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago welcomed the meeting, saying the two countries share important energy interests and that closer bilateral ties could support cooperation involving Venezuela’s natural resources and Trinidad and Tobago’s energy-sector expertise.
The chamber also welcomed the agreed work agenda, noting potential opportunities in energy development, trade and other areas of cross-border cooperation. Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have existing interests involving offshore natural gas projects, including the Loran-Manatee field. Reuters previously reported that Shell was targeting first gas from the Trinidad side of that field in 2027.
Rodríguez also expressed Venezuela’s gratitude for solidarity shown by the Trinidad and Tobago government and people following the June 24 earthquakes. Both governments said they intend to continue building relations focused on cooperation, development and stability in the Caribbean.
Sources: Government of Venezuela joint statement, Trinidad Guardian, Jamaica Observer, Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and Reuters.