Venezuela to Help Jamaica Improve Oil Refinery Infrastructure

Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday night for talks with Prime Minister Keith Rowley, after having visited Jamaica where he signed various agreements, including one to improve the Caribbean island nation's refinery infrastructure.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Maduro and Rowley will seek to strengthen bilateral relations, while a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that the talks would also center on foreign policy, energy and trade.

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“This is a visit that is being conducted at this time to enhance bilateral cooperation between our two countries in the areas of foreign policy, energy and trade amongst others and to take stock of the progress that has been made since our delegation visited Venezuela on October 26, 2015,” Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young stated.

Maduro will be accompanied by ministers Delcy Rodriguez (Foreign Affairs), Eulogio del Pino, (Petroleum/Mining, Miguel Pérez Abad ( Industry and Commerce), Alexander Yánez Deleuze (Latin America/ Caribbean Affairs) and Venezuelan Ambassador, Coromoto Godoy Calderon,

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Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago have strengthened their relationship in recent years, after late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez vowed to deepen links between Caracas and the Caribbean around a decade ago. Since then, the two nations have negotiated deals including an environment-oriented tourism agreement in 2010, and a historic energy deal in 2007.

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Meanwhile, leading up to his trip to Trinidad and Tobago, Maduro made an official visit to Jamaica where he held talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Holness said the two countries signed several agreements in the areas of trade, energy, and culture.

During a Press conference on Saturday, Prime Minister Holness expressed appreciation to Venezuela, which he noted has contributed to Jamaica’s energy security and social and economic development.

“We look forward to the continued cooperation and collaboration between our countries, and reiterate our appreciation to Venezuela for their generosity over the years,” Holness said.

Jamaica and Venezuela have enjoyed strong ties of history, friendship and cooperation over the years and are members of regional mechanisms, such as the PetroCaribe and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC.