June 16, 2006
Colombia and Venezuela reassess relations

(El Universal) - "Following the second meeting of the Venezuela-Colombia High Level Committee, Foreign Affairs ministers Carolina Barco and Alí Rodríguez Araque said they agreed to set clear rules to keep bilateral going, after Venezuela withdrawal from the Andean Community of Nations (CAN)

Multi-purpose Colombian and Venezuelan committees are to meet in Bogotá to assess the consequences of Caracas' move to leave the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and join the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), as well as Colombian President Álvaro Uribe's decision to initial a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

Colombian and Venezuelan Foreign Affairs ministers, Carolina Barco and Alí Rodríguez Araque, respectively, following the second meeting of the Venezuela-Colombia High Level Committee (Coban) announced the upcoming meeting in Bogotá.

Barco explained that the parties are to work in order to 'set transparent mechanisms to reassure the businesspeople and productive sectors that there are clear rules.'

Barco stressed that President Hugo Chávez' move to abandon CAN 'does not have any impact on trade relations.' She explained that, under the Cartagena Agreement, 'over the next five years Venezuela will continue to meet its duties, and we will respect its rights.'

Rodríguez Araque underscored the fact that bilateral trades has increased, based on a strong economic growth over the Venezuela-Colombia border. According to official figures, in February 2005, bilateral trade amounted to USD 198.5 million. One year later, it jumped to USD 313.1 million. 'Such figures will remain unchanged. Bilateral delegations have expressed willingness to increase such amounts,' Rodríguez Araque said.

In order to strengthen economic links, the Foreign Affairs ministers approved the construction of a third bridge between Venezuela and Colombia, as well as improvement of Puente Páez. They also evaluated infrastructure projects intended to further bilateral integration, and border permits. They agreed to an agenda for the upcoming meetings of the Presidential Committee for Negotiations and the Presidential Committee on Integration and Border Issues.

The Colombian delegates seized the opportunity to voice their interest in having a stake in the heavy crude oil Orinoco Belt, southeastern Venezuela. Venezuelan Energy and Petroleum minister Rafael Ramírez positively assessed such plans. The Colombian delegation also explained the 'positive impact' of Colombia Free Trade Agreement with Washington (...)