Colombian, Venezuelan lawmakers hold first binational meeting after reestablishing relations

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Sixty lawmakers from Colombia and Venezuela traveled to the Colombian city of Cucuta, which borders Venezuela, for the first “binational meeting” Friday after the reopening of the border and the reestablishment of diplomatic relations.

The lawmakers participated in a symbolic act at the Simon Bolivar Bridge and signed an agreement that includes five bilateral meetings to review and solve the needs of residents living in border territories. Lawmakers from both nations addressed common agendas related to trade, commerce, migration, transportation and security.

"We have signed an agreement that will be ratified by the Colombian Congress and the Venezuelan National Assembly, which establishes mechanisms to accompany the border towns in the five regions of the more than four thousand kilometers (2484 miles) that Colombia and Venezuela have," said the head of the Venezuelan Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez.

The meeting had been scheduled since Sept. 26, the day Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro decided to reopen the border, but the Venezuelan Assembly was unable to attend.

Colombian Ambassador to Venezuela Armando Benedetti announced the activation of air transportation at the meeting.

Most of the Colombian lawmakers who attended the meeting belong to the governing party. But opposition lawmakers criticized the reestablishment of relations and opposition Senator Paola Holguin objected to the meeting.

"I do not believe that the Colombian Congress should legitimize the National Assembly of Venezuela, which is illegitimate and illegal, elected in an undemocratic process, not recognized by several countries. Furthermore, I am struck by the eagerness of Gustavo Petro's government to ingratiate itself with the narco-dictatorship of Venezuela when nothing has changed in that country," said Holguin.

Colombia exported more than $6 billion to Venezuela and imported $1.2 billion in 2008. Currently, bilateral trade does not exceed $400 million.

There are 2.5 million Venezuelan migrants living in Colombia, according to authorities.