Colombia and Venezuela Unite to Tackle Crime Along Shared Border

In a historic meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited Venezuela to discuss strategies with interim President Delcy Rodríguez to combat organized crime along their extensive shared border of over 2,219 kilometers. This collaboration follows recent violent clashes in the Catatumbo region, leading to significant displacement of residents. Both leaders announced plans for military cooperation and intelligence sharing to address issues like drug trafficking and human trafficking. The meeting also highlighted the importance of economic ties, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $1.2 billion, and plans for energy interconnection and tourism development. This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening relations between the two nations amidst ongoing regional tensions.

Key Details: • Meeting held in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2023. • Colombia and Venezuela share a border of over 2,219 kilometers. • Bilateral trade between the countries is valued at $1.2 billion. • Plans for military cooperation and intelligence sharing announced. • Colombia and Venezuela aim to enhance energy and tourism collaboration.