The Independence Day of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will celebrated on Sunday. Venezuela shares many similarities with our country. Both are predominantly Roman Catholic countries and former colonies of Spain.

The relations between Venezuela and the Philippines began in 1968. Their ties have been marked by goodwill and mutual cooperation. In 1983, the two countries agreed to waive visas for the bearers of diplomatic, official, and service passports. In 1990, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical and Scientific Cooperation on Energy and Mining.

In 1999, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, made an official state visit to the Philippines.

During his visit an RP-Venezuela Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Investment were signed.

Located at the north end of the South American continent, Venezuela has an enormous potential for development and Independence Day of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelainvestment. The country’s strategic proximity to Latin American and Caribbean markets and its relatively short distance from North America and Europe make it an ideal place for international business operations. It has a long tradition in the production and export of petroleum and gas products, and Venezuela’s proven hydrocarbon reserves are among the largest in the world.

Venezuela is among the most urbanized countries in Latin America. The vast majority of Venezuelans live in the cities of the north, especially in the capital Caracas which is also the largest city. Other major cities include Maracaibo, Valencia, Maracay, Barquisimeto, and Ciudad Guayana.

We congratulate the government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela led by H..E President Hugo Chavez Frias, and their Embassy in the Philippines, headed by Charge’ d’Affaires Manuel P. Iturbe, on the occasion of the 198th Anniversary of their Independence Day.