(CARICOM Secretariat, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed confidence that the continued goodwill, friendship and cooperation which characterised CARICOM-Venezuela relations would continue under the Presidency of His Excellency Nicolás Maduro of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

In a congratulatory message to President Maduro following his election to that country’s highest office, CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said that CARICOM looked forward to the continued role of Venezuela in the forefront of South-South cooperation and Latin American and Caribbean integration.

The full text of the message reads:

“On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend congratulations to you and to the United Socialist Party of Venezuela on your victory following the recent Presidential Elections. The Community also congratulates the Venezuelan people for exercising their democratic right and highlighting their civic consciousness by their broad participation in the country’s electoral process.

In electing you to the country’s highest office, the Venezuelan electorate has entrusted you with the critical task of leading the country on its continued path to sustained socio-economic development.

CARICOM looks forward to the continued role of Venezuela in the forefront of South-South cooperation and Latin American and Caribbean integration. As our countries strive to maintain and accelerate development gains, the Community is confident that under your Presidency, the goodwill, friendship, and cooperation which characterise CARICOM–Venezuela relations will continue.

The Community extends its best wishes to you and your administration as you lead your People to new levels of development and prosperity.”