New Venezuelan ambassador meets the press

While Taiwan has come to be regarded as Belize’s most important financial angel, the assistance provided by Venezuela is big and growing larger. This afternoon, Venezuela’s new ambassador to Belize, Omar Valdiviezo, formally introduced himself to members of the press corps. According to Valdiviezo, the government of President Hugo Chavez is committed to a long term friendship and programme of cooperation with the people of Belize.

Omar Valdiviezo, Venezuelan Ambassador to Belize
“In whichever way we can help Belize, we will do so. We’re about to sign an agreement of cooperation and friendship in diverse areas such as agriculture, industry, technology, education, and health that would unite the Belizean and Venezuelan people. Right now we are undergoing constitutional reform, on the twelfth of December we are proposing to implement the changes and democratize the Venezuelan way of life with the aim of giving more power to the people.”

Janelle Chanona
“And you think that these relations will change if there is a change of Government here?”

Omar Valdiviezo
“We really don’t think so, because if we are constructing two oil tanks and there’s a petroleum agreement, we would still engage in relations with whatever party is in power in Belize. The relations we have with the present government are good and we intend to continue those relations because we are working towards a long lasting relationship with Belize and its people.”

Valdiviezo has been in Belize for a month and says starting Sunday he will kick off a countrywide tour of villages with a visit to the Valley of Peace. The Ambassador also announced today that Venezuela will construct a Cooperation and Cultural Institute in Belmopan. The building, which will also include a library, will be used as a base for a number of programmes for students, farmers, and women’s groups.