Flags of Uruguay and Venezuela. Photo: Prensa Latina.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela and Uruguay announced the resumption of consular services in their respective capitals, after all diplomatic relations were suspended for the last year. This important step, a result of dialogue and diplomacy, will facilitate services for the Venezuelan community in Uruguay and the Uruguayan community in Venezuela, normalizing a fundamental aspect of the bilateral relationship.
On Thursday, June 12, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced through an official statement that “as a result of joint work between the two parties, it has been decided to reactivate consular services in the coming days.”
A new chapter in the bilateral relationship
This decision marks a significant step, considering the context of last year. On July 29, 2024, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced the immediate withdrawal of all its diplomatic personnel from Uruguay, as well as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. This drastic action took place at a time of high political tension in the region, following the July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela.
Progressive Broad Front Wins Presidential Elections in Uruguay (+Venezuela’s Reaction)
At that time, the Venezuelan government expressed its firmest rejection of what it called “interventionist actions and declarations of a group of right-wing governments subordinate to Washington.” Furthermore, Venezuela decried that those governments were trying to “reissue the failed and defeated Lima Group” with the aim of not recognizing the results of the July 28 presidential elections, in which President Nicolás Maduro was re-elected. In this scenario, the Venezuelan government declared that it was withdrawing its personnel as a measure of defending its national sovereignty.
However, Thursday’s announcement demonstrates a remarkable change in the bilateral relations between Caracas and Montevideo, where both governments have chosen the path of pragmatic cooperation. The change of government in Uruguay, with a progressive president, Yamandú Orsi, taking charge in March, may be a reason behind this turnaround. Nevertheless, the resumption of consular services would represent tangible relief for families and individuals who rely on consular assistance.
(RedRadioVE) by Jhulimar Fraga
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/DZ
