Foreign Minister Yván Gil closed 20th World Africa Week in Venezuela

Published at: 27/05/2025 06:30 PM

The Minister of People's Power for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, led this Tuesday the closing ceremony of the 20th World Week of Africa in Venezuela, together with the ambassador of South Africa, Lindiwe Michelle Maseko, and the rest of the African Diplomatic Corps accredited in the country.

From the Bolivar Hall of the “Antonio José de Sucre” Yellow House, the diplomat stressed that the alliance between Venezuela and African countries has been strengthened during the 26 years of the Bolivarian Revolution.

In his speech, Gil stressed that economic cooperation with this continent is at its best and with a view to growth. “Our businessmen, our businesswomen are ready and ready to go to Africa, to work with their peers in Africa, as equals, and to be able to build a healthy, constructive relationship of prosperity for both peoples,” he said.

In this regard, he pointed out that in the coming years Africa will be the largest world market for products, “but, in addition, the largest producer of goods and services”, so from Venezuela “we cannot ignore that reality”, because in the continent “important political processes are taking place, of reaffirming its independence, of reaffirming its sovereignty and Venezuela accompanies each and every one of them, because it is the same struggle of the Venezuelan people”.

“Africa has in Venezuela the best ally in South America, the most reliable, the most committed, together with the Caribbean, which is a region with ties deeply rooted in the African people. Venezuela, as a Caribbean country, is also the gateway to Africa in South America. And that's what we want to do,” said the Chancellor.

Regarding Africa Week in Venezuela, the Minister for Foreign Affairs congratulated the participating countries and urged their governments “to work together to turn that love that Venezuela has for the Mother of Africa, that love that Mother Africa has for Venezuela, that we are her children, into an efficient route, a route of prosperity among our peoples.”

For her part, the South African ambassador indicated that “these experiences are profound and have left great respect for the Government of President Nicolás Maduro and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”, so “as Africans, we are proud to represent our respective countries in this beautiful nation”.

“As African ambassadors, we participate in various activities during the 20th World Week of Africa. We were able to appreciate the potential that Venezuela has in the fields of education and culture, and the development of its institutions. Despite the challenges facing the country, in the form of economic sanctions, we have no doubt that Venezuela has a lot to offer,” he said.

In this regard, the diplomat called on all African representatives in Venezuela “not to hesitate to explore this beautiful country. Venezuela is a world in one country.”

After the speeches, the authorities inaugurated the photographic exhibition entitled “Venezuela and Africa twinned in the same struggle”, which takes a tour of the most important moments in relations with Mother Africa since the arrival of Commander Hugo Chávez and currently with President Nicolás Maduro.

MPPRE PRESS