From the Aquiles Nazoa Cultural House in Caracas and with the presence of accredited ambassadors in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the People’s Power Minister for Foreign Relations, Jorge Arreaza, led the closing ceremony of the Diplomatic Year during which he offered a balance of the challenges presented by the year 2020 and thanked the international cooperation and solidarity in times of pandemic.
“We are reaching the end of a very complicated year for humanity. COVID-19 leaves a lot of pain, tragedy, but it also leaves many lessons; it has shown that there are common problems that we have to address in a coordinated and joint way”, assured.
In his speech, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister thanked the United Nations system, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for their cooperation and permanent support, for the daily guidance that prevented the pandemic from became a tragedy despite the existing economic difficulties.
He also extended his gratitude to the governments and peoples of China, Russia, Cuba, Iran and Turkey for the commercial exchange, scientific knowledge and the constant supply of medical supplies in recent months.
On the other hand, he honored and recognized the work of all health workers, both from public and private institutions in the world; and he called for dialogue, debate and understanding despite differences.
“In 2021 we welcome differences, debate, criticism, those who think differently, always within the framework of respect for our Constitution and the diplomatic conventions in Venezuela. So, for you, your families, the workers of your diplomatic missions receive the spirit of Christmas and beyond this moment, let it be a meeting for reflection.”