By Alejandra Garcia on March 30, 2025
ALBA 25 opens in Caracas
Today, high-ranking officials from the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP) met in Caracas, Venezuela, to discuss urgent issues in a complex geopolitical context. The 25th Political Council was the appropriate scenario to think about how the peoples of ALBA can protect the rights of migrants, promote technological development for the benefit of the peoples, curb climate change, protect the rights of girls and women from gender-based violence.
The event was hosted by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the ALBA countries (Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, And Saint Vincent and The Grenadines), the Secretary General of ALBA-TCP, Jorge Arreaza, and special guests from Honduras and Palestine.
One of the central topics of the meeting was the alarming situation of Venezuelan migrants, whose human rights are being violated in the midst of a growing anti-immigration campaign by the United States. The ministers expressed their concern over the massive deportation policies implemented by the U.S. administration, which have intensified hostilities towards Latin American nations, threatening sovereignty and peace in the region.
Yvan Gil, host of the event, emphasized that ALBA is the vanguard that defends the interests of the peoples of Latin America, continuing the strategies designed by historic leaders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. In this sense, member states are focusing their efforts on advancing in maritime connections and technological development, prioritizing a line of action that promotes cooperation and solidarity among peoples.
During the meeting, they also discussed the latest developments in migration and the need to unite voices to defend the self-determination and identity of the countries of the alliance in the face of attempts at political and economic domination. The ministers agreed that, despite the threats and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, the ALBA-TCP agenda is more alive than ever, presenting itself as a solid bloc and a true alternative for Latin American unity.
For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez, condemned the discriminatory and racist policies of the United States, which threaten peace and security in the region, and underscored the need to join efforts to preserve sovereignty. Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa also contributed to the discussion, noting that Cuba is a source of inspiration for the sovereignty of many Latin American countries.
Sosa called for the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence and the active participation of young people in politics. She also addressed the climate crisis and illegal mining in Bolivia, which threatens both communities and ecosystems. In this context, Secretary General Jorge Arreaza emphasized the importance of following ethical principles in technological and scientific development, promoting initiatives such as AgroALBA to boost agricultural sustainability.
This 25th ALBA-TCP Political Council was not only a space to discuss pressing challenges, but also a reaffirmation of the commitment of member countries to the defense of human rights, sovereignty and peace in Latin America. At a time when the region is facing external attacks, ALBA is presented as an essential mechanism for the union and cooperation among peoples, based on principles of social justice and solidarity.
Source: Resumen Latinoamericano – English