The Venezuelan Government stated that the country has entered a new phase of reconstruction and coexistence among Venezuelans, five months after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, and appealed to Portugal to serve as a bridge between Caracas and the European Union.
“Today, when Venezuela begins a new phase of dialogue and reconstruction, there are those who say we are moving too slowly, others say we are moving too fast, but we are undoubtedly walking toward a different horizon, marked by coexistence among Venezuelans,” said the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Europe and North America.
Oliver Blanco spoke in Caracas during the official reception for the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, which took place Thursday night and gathered over 400 guests at the residence of the Portuguese Ambassador, Frederico Silva.
The vice minister explained that, from the Venezuelan perspective, Portugal is called upon to play a very special role as a bridge between Venezuela, the European Union, the Lusophone space—including Africa—and other corners of the world where Portuguese is a language of encounter.
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Blanco stated that Venezuela looks toward Portugal with a renewed strategic interest, seeing an innovative nation in sectors like renewable energy, information technology, port logistics, tourism, and the knowledge economy, expressing conviction that they can build ambitious projects together in these and other domains.
He stressed that Venezuela aspires for bilateral relations to evolve toward greater economic and financial exchange, new investments that generate employment and well-being, a growing flow of tourists in both directions, and more intense cooperation in education, science, and culture.
During his speech, the vice minister explained that for Venezuela, Portugal is much more than just a European partner, as it forms part of the emotional memory and daily life of the South American nation. Over decades, thousands of Portuguese and Luso-Venezuelans left an indelible mark on commerce, gastronomy, agriculture, services, and the social fabric of Venezuelan cities and towns.
Blanco noted they were present in moments of effort and also those of hope, contributing with hard work, discipline, and confidence in the future, which ultimately aided the material progress and pluralism of Venezuelan society. The official mentioned he recently visited Europe and was received in Lisbon by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, highlighting his personal quality, hospitality, and willingness to engage in dialogue.
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This diplomatic encounter confirmed that Portugal sees Venezuela as a country with which it is possible to work frankly, build trust, and define a common agenda for mutual benefit, with both nations continuing to take steps in that direction.
Shortly before, Portuguese Ambassador Frederico Silva explained that Portugal prides itself on being a democratic country with a high level of human development, believing that human dignity is inseparable from the rule of law and respect for social and political freedoms.
Addressing the vice minister, the diplomat reiterated that Portugal looks at the country and its people with special affection, accompanying with satisfaction the current direction of reforms and efforts undertaken toward effective national reconciliation and a democratic political transition.
According to the Portuguese diplomat, this transition must be sustained by an inclusive dialogue open to all Venezuelans with a view to holding free and fair elections in the country.
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Furthermore, Portugal maintains full availability to strengthen bilateral relations with Venezuela across political, economic, business, social, educational, and cultural spheres. The reception highlighted the historical ties binding the two countries, especially given the large Portuguese diaspora that has resided in Venezuela for generations.
Analysts view this diplomatic rapprochement as a significant step for Venezuela’s provisional authorities as they seek international validation and a structured pathway to reintegrate into the global economy after recent political upheavals.
