Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has met with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Mottley said Rodríguez welcomed her to Caracas and that their discussions centred on opportunities that could benefit people in both countries.

The areas of cooperation include energy and food security, tourism, trade and the movement of goods.

Mottley said the work agreed between the two countries could create new opportunities for Barbadian farmers, fishers and businesses, while also opening doors for Barbadians through scholarships, language training and exchanges in music, energy and fisheries.

The meeting builds on discussions between Mottley and Rodríguez in April.

Mottley also highlighted the humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, pointing to Barbados’ response after earthquakes struck Venezuela in June.

Barbados sent rescue workers, medical teams, humanitarian supplies and a field hospital to Guarenas following the earthquakes.

Mottley said the experience demonstrated the “human value” of the relationship between the two countries.

She stressed that the agreements reached between Barbados and Venezuela should translate into tangible benefits for Barbadians, particularly young people and local producers.

“Agreements such as these must be felt at home in the choices our young people have, the markets our producers can reach and the greater security of every Barbadian family,” Mottley said.

She added that the cooperation is part of Barbados’ effort to build a stronger country while remaining a neighbour that supports others when needed.