KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – High-level deliberations with the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Moros have led to agreements on trade, energy and culture.

This was revealed by Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, at a press briefing today at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Venezuelan president arrived in the island on Saturday for a working visit.

Holness said the two countries agreed to improve trade relations, especially through arrangements under the PetroCaribe Agreement.

This initiative, he said will be led by Minister of Finance and Public Service, Audley Shaw. He further expressed appreciation to Venezuela for its commitment to the agreement, which he noted has contributed to Jamaica’s energy security and social and economic development.

He said there is also an expedited agreement on the Refinery Upgrade Project, which is important to the economic development of Jamaica.

Additionally, there was a decision to strengthening cultural ties, particularly through cooperation with Venezuela’s El Sistema, a world renowned youth orchestra and system of training youth in music.

“We look forward to the continued cooperation and collaboration between our countries, and reiterate our appreciation to Venezuela for their generosity over the years,” Holness said.

The prime minister extended warm welcome to President Maduro, noting that this meeting is an indication of the strong ties of history, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The bilateral discussion was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith; Minister of Finance and Public Service Audley Shaw; Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda; Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange; and Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Andrew Wheatley.

Ambassador for Economic Affairs Dr Nigel Clarke and Ambassador of Jamaica to Venezuela Sharon Weber were also present for the discussions.

The Venezuelan delegation, meanwhile, included the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez; Minister of Petroleum and Mining Eulogio del Pino; Minister of Industry and Commerce Miguel Perez Abad; Minister of Government Administration Jesús Salazar; Minister of Communication and Information Luis José Marcano; and Vice-Minister for Latin America and Caribbean Affairs Alexander Yánez Deleuze.

Jamaica and Venezuela have enjoyed strong ties of history, friendship and cooperation over the years and are members of regional mechanisms, such as the PetroCaribe and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

President Maduro last visited Jamaica in September 2015, for the Summit to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the PetroCaribe Agreement.

It was also, the 200th anniversary of the Jamaica Letter, written by the Great Liberator Simon Bolivar in Kingston on 6th September 1815. President Maduro on that visit also opened the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre in downtown Kingston.