PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed on a roadmap to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, environmental protection, culture and collective security.

The agreement follows a meeting between Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers, and his Venezuelan counterpart during Sobers’ visit to Venezuela.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, the two governments said the visit marks “a new chapter” in diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries.

The working agenda is intended to facilitate what the governments described as “a new era” in relations, to be led by Venezuelan President Deley Rodriguez and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The two sides said the agenda will serve as a roadmap for increased cooperation in several priority areas.

In trade, they aim to deepen commercial ties and support economic growth in both countries.

On energy, the governments said they will seek to develop the natural resources provided by both territories, while cooperation in agriculture will focus on strengthening food security.

The countries also agreed to work towards sustainable development and environmental protection in the Caribbean, while cultural cooperation will seek to strengthen integration between their peoples.

Collective security was also identified as an area for greater cooperation.

The Venezuelan government expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the solidarity and support provided following the double earthquake on June 24.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a permanent channel of communication to advance the working agenda.

They said the cooperation will be pursued in accordance with international law and in the interest of the economic and social development of the people of both countries.