Image via ALBA-TCP
On Saturday, December 14, the XXIV Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was held in Caracas with heads of state and government of the ten states of Latin America and the Caribbean that make up the bloc present. A representative of Palestine was also present. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro designated Palestine as a brother nation and a permanent guest of ALBA-TCP.
Here is a general synopsis of all the speeches given by leaders like Maduro, Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, Luis Arce of Bolivia, Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba, and others.
President Maduro: ALBA-TCP launched new initiative with Petrocaribe, Science, and Artificial Intelligence
Drums, flags, and the new song Somos el ALBA set the stage for the remarks of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, during the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP). The summit, held in Caracas this Saturday, marked the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc’s founding by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.
During his address, the Head of State highlighted that in the private session, presidents and prime ministers agreed that “humanity now has a great opportunity to experience, for the first time, a world without hegemons, empires, or colonialism.”
“Today, with the ALBA Agenda, we are charting significant progress in a new political, economic, and social offensive that ALBA will activate at this moment for a springtime of advancement and unity,” President Maduro announced.
The first initiative discussed was AgroALBA, a program focused on food production, agreed upon through memoranda of understanding with Caribbean and African countries. “A new phase of Petrocaribe is also on the horizon, which will be led by Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez. Together, we will invest in and produce oil and gas through joint ventures. The Orinoco Oil Belt will serve as the stage for this new phase of Petrocaribe,” he explained.
The President also mentioned discussions about new investments in technology. This includes plans to sign the Peoples’ Trade Treaty (TCP) to enhance trade facilitation between Latin America and the Caribbean.
“We discussed the revival of monetary and trade exchange platforms, supported by the concept of the Sucre, and our monetary and financial authorities will bring this to fruition… We also addressed challenges in science and technology, artificial intelligence, and social media,” he revealed.
President Maduro further announced that the Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Bolivarian Alliance for Our Peoples is ready to be inaugurated. This project was initially discussed during the previous ALBA Summit in Havana, Cuba.
He emphasized that ALBA-TCP remains a pathway to peace and reiterated the importance of unity and building a protective wall for the region.
Another key challenge for ALBA, according to the Venezuelan leader, is supporting Haiti. “Despite limitations, we must help Haiti regain peace. ALBA has specific directives to advance in every way possible to support Haiti,” he affirmed.
Prime Minister of Dominica: Only ALBA was born to address the world’s inequalities
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, affirmed that the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was established to confront the world’s inequalities, stating that “there is no other movement like this.”
During his speech at the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance, held in Caracas this Saturday, Skerrit emphasized the importance of unity among the members of this regional bloc. “It is crucial that we remain united, because there will always be attempts to create problems to foster division or issues where none exist.”
He urged the continuation of the Alliance’s foundational principles and encouraged collaborative efforts to overcome challenges. “We must work together, not only as heads of state and government but also within our own political structures, bringing unity to all regional groups.”
Additionally, Skerrit condemned the blockade against Cuba and unilateral measures imposed on Venezuela and Nicaragua.
“We congratulate President Nicolás Maduro on his electoral victory on July 28. We wish him all the best. Since becoming President of Venezuela, you have upheld the mandate of President Chávez with great commitment to the Venezuelan people… We also want to reaffirm our solidarity with the Cuban people, a brave nation for whom we have the utmost respect and love. We will never cease to raise our voices against the United States to demand the lifting of the blockade against Cuba,” he declared.
Bolivia advocates for ALBA-TCP unity to counter hegemonistic attacks
“On this anniversary (the 20th of ALBA-TCP), we celebrate the past and look toward the future. In the face of the challenges posed by a world threatened by fascism and neo-fascism, ALBA is not merely an option; it is a necessity that must continue steadfastly, reaffirming its foundational principles of solidarity, justice, and cooperation. (…) ALBA is not just an alliance; it is a promise of the future, a living resistance, an instrument for the most dispossessed, and a reminder that together, as peoples, we are invincible.”
This was the statement by the President of Bolivia, Luis Arce, during his address at the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held this Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela.
Arce emphasized that the embrace between Commanders Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and Fidel Castro of Cuba not only marked a historic moment but also symbolized the defeat of the hegemonic project represented by the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
“ALBA was born, placing the human being at its core and promoting the idea that a better world is possible. Bolivia reaffirms, once again, its commitment to ALBA-TCP, as it stands as a resistance raising its voice against the unjust and criminal blockade of Cuba. (…) ALBA is also a firm voice against the arbitrary and unilateral measures imposed on Venezuela and Nicaragua, measures that harm the well-being of our peoples.”
President Díaz-Canel highlighted the need for a new international financial architecture
During the 24th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held this Saturday in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that “the international relations system suffers from the imbalances of an unjust, unequal, and exclusionary order.”
He went on to say, “We are witnessing the promotion of hate and violence discourses, the encouragement of extremism, and a return to old, yet unresolved, mechanisms of imperialist domination, including coup attempts and persecution of leftist and progressive political figures.” These efforts, are part of “a fierce communication machinery designed to sow terror and perpetuate the lies of the Monroe Doctrine,” he added.
In this geopolitical context, the Cuban leader emphasized that it is imperative to “restore multilateralism to advance toward a new world order in which countries of the Global South participate as equals in global decision-making processes.”
He stressed the need for ALBA-TCP to work toward establishing “a new international financial architecture to close the gap that currently separates the Global North and South, ensuring fair treatment for developing countries in decision-making processes and access to financial resources.”
President Díaz-Canel also condemned events in Syria that, in his words, “provoked a change in power,” asserting that they “are part of a dangerous and risky reshaping of the Middle East region to serve the interests of the United States, Israel, and Western powers.”
“We make a strong call to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Syria, as well as the unity of its people,” he urged, while also denouncing attacks against the peoples of Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran.
The 24th ALBA-TCP Summit, which welcomed special guests from Honduras and Palestine, was held in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the alliance. This organization was founded on December 14, 2004, by then-presidents of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, and Cuba, Fidel Castro, in Havana.
Antigua and Barbuda advocated strengthening tourism and agriculture in the region
Strengthening tourism among the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) was proposed this Saturday by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.
During the 24th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance held in Venezuela, Browne emphasized the necessity of promoting tourism in the Caribbean and fostering exchanges in this sector to facilitate interaction among our peoples.
“At this moment, we need to deepen our integration ties to tackle economic challenges,” the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda stated.
He further reiterated his country’s condemnation of the measures and sanctions imposed by the United States against the peoples of Venezuela and Nicaragua. “We reiterate our condemnation of the sanctions against Venezuela, against Nicaragua, and the embargo on Cuba,” he affirmed.
Additionally, Browne declared that Antigua and Barbuda does not recognize any other president of Venezuela besides Nicolás Maduro. “We continue to support Venezuela and its elected president, Nicolás Maduro.”
“We condemn interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. Venezuela has only one President, and that is Nicolás Maduro,” Browne insisted.
Daniel Ortega at the ALBA-TCP Summit: We will continue fighting
The President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, participated this Saturday in the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held in Venezuela to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the regional bloc’s foundation by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.
“Despite the sanctions, the attacks, and the defamation, the people of Venezuela remain loyal to Chávez, loyal to Bolívar. How much joy I felt in finding, in a military leader like Commander Chávez, a genuine revolutionary! (…) We will not fail you, we will not let you down, and we will continue fighting within ALBA,” stated Ortega during his speech.
Ortega emphasized that the Bolivarian Alliance, born from a hug, is and must continue to be a bloc that fosters and protects regional integration, especially in light of the global political conjuncture, which is in crisis.
Finally, he underscored that Nicaragua will continue to raise its voice against imperialism and the measures taken against his country, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Saint Lucia advocated for strengthening interaction within ALBA-TCP
Ralph Gonsalves at the 24th ALBA-TCP Summit: “We have transformed into a commitment to life and production”
The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, praised the initiatives launched 20 years ago by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, which led to the establishment of what is now the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America–Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).
“ALBA is the product of the genius of our peoples,” he stated during the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government.
“These countries share a history set by slavery, colonization, and imperialism. We are united by geography, united by history, and, in the crucible of that history, we have transformed into a commitment to life, unity, and production,” he added.
Gonsalves emphasized that the integration promoted by ALBA-TCP, the ALBA Bank, Petrocaribe, and the cooperation of Cuba and Venezuela have significantly contributed to the economic development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He highlighted the increase in per capita income and referenced financing mechanisms for fuel acquisition and support during natural disasters.
The Prime Minister also criticized the sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, questioning the rationale behind designating these nations as threats to U.S. national security.
“How can any reasonable person make such a claim?” he asked, challenging the lack of evidence for such accusations. Additionally, he denounced foreign interference in the electoral processes of the region and reaffirmed that the peoples of these countries should make their own decisions.
Honduras recognized ALBA-TCP’s efforts to collaborate with Social Movements
During the 24th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), Gerardo Torres Zelaya, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Honduras, commended the regional bloc’s efforts to work hand in hand with social movements.
In this regard, he affirmed that this is the path to follow, emphasizing the presence of these movements at the Summit and in all events aimed at defending the sovereignty of the peoples.
He stated that for Honduras, the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean is the only way to overcome poverty, asserting that cooperation among the peoples will make it possible to improve the region’s economy.
“When we talk about ALBA-TCP, we are talking about the need to confront those free trade agreements that create distortions negatively affecting the poorest,” he noted. He also highlighted the importance of combating the media war that seeks to make people believe that “public and common goods are bad terms. We believe that public goods are what unite us, and we believe that the common good, if it were truly important to the powers that threaten Venezuela today, would not be cast aside.”
Finally, he reiterated his nation’s unwavering commitment to the fight: “As soldiers and as citizens, we will defend Bolívar’s dream of a free, sovereign, and anti-imperialist Latin America.”
Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its commitment to ALBA-TCP and the freedom of the peoples
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas, stated that, in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), all Heads of State and Government honor the memories of Commander Fidel Castro and Commander Hugo Chávez, reaffirming their commitment to the peoples of the Caribbean and Latin America.
During his address at the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government, Douglas expressed gratitude to the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, for hosting the participants at this summit, which he described as carrying “the memories of two giants.”
He asserted that today, the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance “reaffirm our commitment to ALBA-TCP, which will remain a part of the history of our peoples. We reaffirm our membership in ALBA and our dedication to democracy and the freedom of the peoples of Latin America.”
The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, inaugurated the 24th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty this Saturday from the Simón Bolívar Park Convention Center, in the state of Miranda. The summit commemorates 20 years since the regional bloc was founded by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.
ALBA was established on December 14, 2004, in Havana, Cuba, through the signing of a Joint Declaration and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Bolivarian Alliance.
Grenada reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of ALBA-TCP
Lennox Andrews, Grenada’s Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, and Information and Communication Technologies, reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to the principles of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) during his address at the 24th Summit of the Alliance.
“We must reaffirm Grenada’s commitment to the constitution of ALBA-TCP to strengthen integration and confront challenges,” he stated, calling for the next 20 years to begin “with new determination, a renewed resolve to harness our resources in creating a new world.”
He further emphasized that the regional bloc “remains a powerful mechanism for unity, political cooperation, and coordination, with member states focused on tackling challenges with determination and creating solutions.”
Additionally, Minister Andrews affirmed that the Alliance promotes respect and peace in the region and has been instrumental in Grenada’s development in areas such as education, health, and the economy.
He also highlighted Venezuela’s role, asserting that it “has always stood firm with determination and resilience, continuing to engage closely with members of the region.” Furthermore, he called for the “lifting of the trade embargo imposed on Cuba, which has been denied the right to participate in international trade. This unjust measure persists today and must be abolished. In addition, Grenada demands Cuba’s removal from the list of countries that support terrorism and commends the resilience of the Cuban government and people in confronting this situation.”
Palestine praised ALBA-TCP as a bastion of solidarity, dignity, and justice
The Advisor to the President of Palestine for International Affairs and Special Envoy of the State of Palestine, Riad Malki, highlighted during the 24th Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) the shared commitment of member nations to the defense of justice, sovereignty, and dignity.
Malki, a special guest at the meeting, emphasized that the Bolivarian Alliance represents much more than a mere political or economic alliance.
“ALBA is a manifestation of the indomitable human spirit and a commitment to the universal principles of solidarity and resistance against oppression,” he affirmed.
He highlighted that ALBA’s principles deeply resonate with the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom, justice, self-determination, and the end of colonial occupation.
“Countries like Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua have taken courageous stances by refusing to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as long as the occupation persists. These actions, rooted in international law and moral clarity, send a powerful message to the world: justice and accountability are non-negotiable.”
It is worth noting that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros designated Palestine as a brother nation and a permanent guest of ALBA-TCP.
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