Barbados, Venezuela Deepen Cooperation on Energy, Food and Trade

Barbados and Venezuela have agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, food security, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education and transportation, as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez seek to turn longstanding diplomatic ties into practical economic opportunities.

The agreement was formalised Monday in Caracas through a joint declaration signed by Mottley and Rodríguez following high-level talks between the two governments. The declaration creates a framework for cooperation in key sectors and establishes a Binational Joint Commission to oversee implementation.

Mottley said the talks were focused on the potential benefits for ordinary Barbadians.

“President Delcy Rodríguez welcomed me warmly to Caracas, and from the outset our focus was on our people and the possibilities we can create for them.”

Energy is a major component of the agreement, with both countries committing to deeper commercial exchanges and training in energy and hydrocarbons. The agreement also provides for technical cooperation in areas including oil exploration and field recovery, while both sides will examine opportunities in renewable energy and related infrastructure.

For Barbados, energy security remains a strategic concern given the island’s dependence on imported fuel. Greater cooperation with Venezuela, which possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, could therefore provide another avenue for strengthening energy security and technical capacity.

Mottley said the relationship could also create new opportunities across agriculture and fisheries.

“The work we have agreed can strengthen Barbados’ energy and food security, create new openings for our farmers, fishers and businesses, build stronger tourism and trade links, and improve the movement of goods.”

Under the declaration, Barbados and Venezuela will develop a joint agricultural work plan addressing climate resilience, livestock systems, soil health and research. They will also explore investment in fisheries processing, value-added production, logistics and knowledge transfer, as well as agricultural land development aimed at increasing food supplies.

The governments are also seeking to expand tourism and improve transportation links. A bilateral tourism agreement is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, while the first Binational Tourism Meeting is planned for 2027. The countries also intend to establish commercial shipping arrangements and a direct maritime cargo route.

Education and cultural exchanges form another part of the agreement, including expanded language training and scholarships in both countries beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year. Cooperation will also extend to areas such as music, energy and fisheries.

The latest agreement builds on commitments made during Rodríguez’s visit to Barbados in April, when the two governments identified energy, food production and tourism as priority areas for cooperation. Monday’s declaration is intended to move those commitments into concrete programmes.

The relationship has also been shaped by humanitarian cooperation.

Following the June 24, 2026, seismic disaster in Venezuela, Barbados deployed rescuers, medical personnel and humanitarian supplies and established a field hospital in Guarenas, Miranda State. Venezuelan authorities said the facility has provided care to more than 2,600 people.

Mottley highlighted that response as evidence that the relationship extends beyond commercial interests.

“We have already seen the human value of this friendship. When the earthquakes struck Venezuela in June, Barbados answered with rescue workers, medical teams, humanitarian supplies and a field hospital in Guarenas.”

Mottley said the ultimate measure of the new cooperation will be whether it produces visible benefits at home.

“Agreements such as these must be felt at home in the choices our young people have, the markets our producers can reach and the greater security of every Barbadian family.”

She added:

“That is how we build a stronger Barbados and remain the kind of neighbour that shows up when it matter[s].”

The two governments said implementation will begin immediately, with progress to be reported by their foreign ministries every six months.