In statements following the signing of the document at the headquarters of the Bolivarian Defense Ministry, the Colombian minister explained that both officials agreed not to refer to the past because “we have to build a future and we have to build that future.”
He pointed out that this mutual development is unfortunately only taking place now, due to situations that have arisen in the past that should never have happened, and he reiterated that this meeting, which was also attended by other civil and military authorities, was “very satisfied” had participated.
“We are moving forward quite safely and resolutely in strengthening these bilateral ties,” he stressed, announcing that commanders and authorities in the areas will also continue to strengthen communications and actions.
Velázquez announced the return by Venezuela of three ships retained since 2020, as well as three rifles by the Colombian side, which was a testament to the goodwill of the parties.
Venezuela’s defense minister announced that since diplomatic ties resumed, there have been more than 30 activities of diplomatic, political, commercial, military, security force and migratory activities that they have in common, according to the foreign ministry last year. , narrowed.
Padrino pointed out that these meetings “give the impetus” and that it could not be otherwise, because “they could not go on with that useless ambivalence” that trapped them for several years, and today they are greeted with a considerable nationalist, regionalist awareness resumed and with all that remains to be done in the future.
He offered his opinion on the importance of building trust in all these meetings, adding that this is one of the things he talked about in the first meetings with Velázquez: “Building trust step by step”.
The Venezuelan Colonel General recalled that he had told him that, even if it was going to be a little difficult, we “opened our arms” to once again welcome greetings, complementarity and solidarity from both governments and peoples receive.
Regarding the border violence, Padrino announced that “it has been eradicated in the border areas” and stressed that both the military and the police on both sides have approached this with great responsibility and vehemence, which is shaping a future in “The Horizon” enables .
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