The Daily Journal – Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia and his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, spoke by phone on Sunday. The conversation focused on bilateral issues and potential areas of cooperation as Venezuela moves through its reconstruction phase following the June 24 earthquakes.
“Today I held a cordial and productive call with Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, during which we discussed bilateral issues and opportunities for cooperation,” Plasencia wrote. He also thanked the Spanish government for its “spirit of solidarity and willingness to help.”
Spain was among the first countries to respond to the emergency. It deployed a team of 67 rescuers, eight search dogs, a field hospital at Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Park, and several tons of humanitarian aid for victims staying in temporary camps. Upon completing their mission, the Spanish rescue workers received the “Heroes of Venezuela” decoration.
The official earthquake death toll has surpassed 6,000, while 190 buildings have collapsed. The United Nations estimated direct material damage at $37 billion. Against this backdrop, Venezuela continues to advance its recovery plans with technical and financial support from multilateral organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the Inter-American Development Bank.
