In his speech at the VII Ministerial Meeting on Energy Of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Minister of Mines and Energy of Colombia, Edwin Palma Egea, highlighted the recent agreement reached with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on energy matters that allows for the promotion of a policy of interconnection between peoples, reports the website of the Ministry of People's Power for Electric Energy (MPPEE).
In this regard, he explained that "we are reopening the energy connection with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," and noted that both nations will celebrate three years of reopening their borders in September.
He added that this is "a way to revive those ties of cooperation; it's energy, and that's why we're committed to the sister people of Venezuela, to bringing energy back, and I hope to be able to conduct tests there on the border in the coming weeks, Mr. Minister."
It is worth recalling that on July 17, the governments of Colombia and Venezuela, represented by Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Chief of Staff of the Casa de Nariño, Alfredo Sadee, signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the basis for the creation of a Binational Economic Zone of Peace, Union, and Development to strengthen integration in strategic areas, including energy.
Energy commitment reaffirmed at the 7th CELAC Summit
Palma Egea reiterated the Colombian government's commitment to the Venezuelan people by announcing concrete progress in reactivating the energy interconnection between the two countries.
At a press conference at the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, where the 7th Energy Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is being held, he stated, "We're very close. We've been at it for three years; I don't want to give a precise date. When we can begin the tests we're going to conduct with around five megawatts, it will be a significant event."
The Minister emphasized that access to energy not only represents development, but also justice and dignity for historically excluded communities, such as those living in the border area shared by both countries.
He also emphasized that, despite their differences, Colombia remains fully willing to cooperate with Venezuela, recognizing that "the people, who are also Colombians—because there are Colombians from our country there—in Venezuela—need energy."
Palma announced that the first power supply tests could begin along the border, marking another firm step toward a more connected and supportive Latin America.
It is worth noting that the delegation from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, led by the Vice President of Public Works and Services, Jorge Márquez, arrived at the headquarters of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce to participate in the VII Summit of Ministers of Energy of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
