Barbados and Venezuela have agreed to deepen cooperation across several areas, including energy, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture and tourism, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas.
The two leaders concluded their meeting on Monday with a joint declaration outlining a broad programme of bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, investment, technical cooperation and transportation links between the two countries.
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Energy security emerged as a major area of cooperation. The countries agreed to expand commercial exchanges involving hydrocarbons and petroleum products, while Barbados is expected to benefit from specialised training and technical assistance from Venezuela in areas including land exploration and oil-field recovery techniques.
They also plan to establish a technical working group to monitor the implementation of the agreements and identify opportunities for investment in renewable energy and related infrastructure.
Food security and agricultural development will also feature prominently in the partnership. The two governments intend to develop a joint work plan addressing climate-resilient agriculture, livestock management, soil health and research. They will also establish a protocol covering the import and export of meat products and explore joint investments in fisheries, agricultural lands, food processing and logistics.
Education and cultural exchanges are another component of the agreement. Barbados and Venezuela plan to establish a joint working group to expand language training and student exchanges in areas ranging from the arts and sciences to public health, agriculture, fisheries and energy. Scholarship programmes are expected to begin on a pilot basis during the 2027-2028 academic year.
The governments also intend to develop a mechanism for recognising educational qualifications and professional training certifications obtained in either country, potentially making it easier for students and professionals to have their credentials recognised across the two nations.
Tourism cooperation is expected to expand as well. The countries plan to sign a bilateral tourism agreement within the coming weeks, with an emphasis on increasing visitor arrivals, encouraging business partnerships and developing multi-destination tourism packages.
Both sides are also looking to improve transportation and trade connectivity. Plans include coordinating cargo transportation, facilitating commercial exchanges and establishing direct maritime cargo services. The Bridgetown–Porlamar–Caracas commercial route is expected to receive particular attention as the countries seek to strengthen their links with regional and international markets.
To oversee the growing relationship, Mottley and Rodríguez agreed to establish a Barbados-Venezuela Binational Joint Commission, which will meet annually, alternating between Bridgetown and Caracas.
The meeting also highlighted Barbados’ humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the June 2026 seismic disaster. Rodríguez expressed appreciation for Barbados’ support, including the deployment of rescue teams, humanitarian supplies and a field hospital in Miranda State, which has treated more than 2,600 people.
The expanded partnership signals an effort by both Caribbean and South American neighbours to build closer economic and technical ties at a time when energy security, food production, trade connectivity and climate resilience remain major priorities for the region.
