By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
(New Year Message)
Dear readers of the Diplomacy Journal,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your interest in Venezuela, a country with a proud and heroic past, a resilient present, and a promising future. Venezuela is committed to passing down a free, independent, and socially just nation to future generations, overcoming the many crises caused by the forces of capitalism.
The year 2024 has been a pivotal one for strengthening diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the Republic of Korea. I want to extend my deepest thanks to all individuals involved at various levels for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to these efforts, we have fostered a deeper mutual understanding and respect, and the relationship between our nations is growing stronger in friendship among peoples. As we prepare for the inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro’s third constitutional term on January 10, 2025, we are energized to continue building on this momentum in the years ahead.
Venezuela’s path forward is clearly outlined in the 1999 Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has served as the foundation of our democracy for over 25 years. This Constitution, which replaced the one from 1961, marked the beginning of the Fifth Republic, ushering in a new political stage that emphasizes the active participation of the Venezuelan people. Since its adoption, Venezuela has held 35 elections, including 6 presidential elections, 6 legislative elections, and several regional and municipal elections. The constitutional amendment of 2009 further strengthened our democratic process by allowing continuous re-election for elected positions, with elections always decided by the majority vote.
Venezuela has weathered significant challenges, but the stability of our democracy, built on the principles of the 1999 Constitution, remains strong. The re-election of President Nicolás Maduro in July 2024 is a testament to the Venezuelan people’s commitment to peace, national sovereignty, and economic recovery. His leadership has focused on bringing home Venezuelan citizens who were forced to migrate due to the impact of the country’s economic difficulties, and he continues to work tirelessly toward the recovery of national assets that belong to all Venezuelans.
In the international arena, the re-election of President Maduro has been recognized and congratulated by numerous countries, international organizations, and observers. This recognition further strengthens our resolve to move forward with the National Government Plan, which is based on the “Seven Transformations.” These initiatives are designed to guide the country toward a “New Era”, leading to 2054, when we will commemorate the centennial of Hugo Chávez’s legacy.
Venezuela’s foreign policy, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, seeks to contribute to the creation of a multipolar world, based on justice, democracy, and respect for the values outlined in the UN Charter. We are committed to fostering global stability, particularly in the energy sector, where Venezuela has a crucial role to play. Our country remains a vital supplier of energy resources, and we hope to continue contributing to global energy stability, especially in partnership with nations like the Republic of Korea that are one hundred percent dependent on external energy sources.
As we look ahead to 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the Republic of Korea, we are excited about the vast potential for economic cooperation. Venezuela is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and strategic minerals such as coltan, which are in high demand in the technology sector. These resources offer exciting opportunities for collaboration, particularly in energy, mining, and high-tech industries.
In addition, Venezuela's Special Economic Zones (ZEE by its initials in Spanish) are geographically designated areas created to promote economic, social, and productive development through fiscal, customs, financial, and administrative incentives. These zones aim to attract both national and international investment, diversify the economy, and foster technological innovation. Key sectors include industry, tourism, technology, agribusiness, and services, offering exciting opportunities for collaboration.
In exchange, technological advancements, particularly in areas like telecommunications, digital health, green energy, and infrastructure, are invaluable to Venezuela. We are particularly interested in exploring the implementation of smart city technologies, the development of digital health systems, and the expansion of green energy initiatives. Additionally, Korea’s expertise in e-government systems can help modernize Venezuela’s public administration, making it more efficient and responsive.
The potential for cooperation extends beyond technology. Venezuela’s agricultural sector, including coffee, cocoa, and sesame, offers valuable export opportunities, while our fishing and aquaculture industries, particularly shrimp and sablefish, are in high demand in the Republic of Korea. Venezuela’s premium rum is also gaining international recognition, and we believe it has the potential to appeal to Korean consumers, given the country’s growing demand for high-quality alcoholic beverages.
The tourism sector is another area where both nations could benefit. Venezuela’s natural beauty, including the Gran Sabana, home to the spectacular Angel Falls, and its stunning beaches in the Caribbean Sea, makes it a prime destination for tourism. We envision a mutually beneficial exchange of visitors, with South Korean tourists discovering Venezuela’s natural wonders and Venezuelans exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea.
Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, we are committed to building on the strong foundation of our bilateral relationship based on three pillars: respect, understanding, and collaboration. The upcoming anniversary of diplomatic relations presents an exciting opportunity to deepen our cooperation across various sectors, strengthening the ties between Venezuela and the Republic of Korea for the mutual benefit of both nations.
