Trinidad and Tobago’s latest engagement with Venezuela could signal the beginning of a thaw in relations between the two countries following a period of heightened diplomatic tensions that disrupted energy cooperation.
Energy expert and former energy minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan believes the meeting may have provided an opportunity to ease tensions and begin rebuilding closer ties between Port-of-Spain and Caracas.
“In a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it appears that this meeting was intended to establish measures to improve bilateral relations between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela,” Seepersad-Bachan said yesterday.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including trade, economic cooperation, agriculture and fisheries, national security, and energy security and prosperity.
However, Seepersad-Bachan stressed that energy cooperation should remain a priority, particularly after the Energy Cooperation Framework Agreement was suspended last year amid diplomatic tensions.
“I would hope there was an opportunity, given that the Energy Cooperation Framework Agreement was suspended last year because of the diplomatic tensions that emerged,” she said.
She expressed hope that the latest engagement included discussions on reinstating the agreement, which provides a framework for collaborative energy initiatives between the two countries.
The agreement is considered significant for future cooperation in the exploration and development of energy resources and could provide a structured basis for renewed collaboration.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in relations in 2025, when Venezuela suspended energy agreements with T&T amid accusations of hostile actions by Port-of-Spain.
Relations were further strained after T&T hosted a United States warship involved in operations targeting Venezuelan vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro subsequently accused T&T of allowing its territory to be used to advance US interests. Maduro and his wife were later taken to the US to face drug charges after a US military operation in Caracas.
Seepersad-Bachan said she believes the latest talks may have helped to ease the diplomatic tensions that emerged last year and pave the way for healthier bilateral relations.
Despite the earlier tensions, there have also been signs of continuing humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
In June, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez thanked T&T and other Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states for humanitarian assistance following a devastating double earthquake on June 24 that killed thousands and left many more homeless.
While inspecting relief supplies sent to Venezuela, Rodríguez expressed gratitude to Caricom leaders, including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, for supporting the South American nation during the crisis.
The regional relief effort included 88 containers of emergency supplies, along with medical personnel and equipment. The aid was coordinated by Guyana and shipped to Venezuela from there.
Energy sector expert Dr Thackwray “Dax” Driver also yesterday welcomed the latest engagement, describing the meeting as “very positive.”
“There is obviously a lot happening very quickly in Venezuela, and I think that bodes well for the future of the gas industry in Trinidad,” Driver said.
He expressed hope that the meeting would be the first of many bilateral engagements between the two countries in the months and years ahead.
“I think this is a positive move,” Driver added.
