Anniversary of Bolivarian Revolution: Caracas Firmly Oriented Towards South, Including Africa

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Algeria, Juan Bautista Arias Palacio, affirmed on Sunday that the Venezuelan government is now firmly focused on countries in the Global South, including those in Africa, with whom Caracas shares history and future challenges.

As a guest on El Moudjahid newspaper’s forum, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Venezuelan Bolivarian Revolution on February 2, 1999, the Venezuelan ambassador stated, “The recent opening of a direct air route between Algiers and Caracas is directly aimed at bringing Venezuela closer to Africa, where Algeria occupies a central place.”

He further noted, “Venezuela’s strong diplomatic representation in Africa, ranking third after Brazil and Cuba, is also aimed at strengthening the South-South axis, particularly through the enhancement of diplomatic and trade relations.”

In the same context, he asserted that the open and massive support of the Bolivarian government of Venezuela for the decolonization process in Africa, especially in Western Sahara, is driven by the ambition to liberate African peoples and build a multipolar world, echoing the vision of Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar and the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The ambassador also mentioned that Venezuela is now committed to launching a radio station and a bank for Southern countries.

Discussing the achievements and successes of the Bolivarian Revolution, Juan Bautista Arias Palacio stated that these accomplishments are visible and tangible in all areas, earning recognition even from Americans who conducted a study on the first ten years of Hugo Chavez’s governance.

“Among the achievements mentioned in this study are improvements in the healthcare system, education, employment, and a reduction in inflation,” highlighted El Moudjahid’s guest, noting that achieving independence for Venezuela’s economy from oil revenues remains a significant challenge for Maduro’s government.

Addressing the impact of the ongoing US sanctions on the country, the diplomat indicated that it is “not significant and is limited to the economic sector only.”

“The Venezuelan people have great confidence in the Maduro government and express it often through demonstrations of support,” he emphasized, stating that “the main reason for the US economic sanctions against Caracas is to advocate for a new political, economic, and social model.”

The ambassador underscored that the Venezuelan government is entirely sovereign in its decisions. Notably, ambassadors from several Latin American and African countries attended the conference by the Venezuelan diplomat, including the Cuban Envoy, Armando Vergara Bueno.

 A look at the multifaceted collaboration and shared values that have marked decades of diplomatic ties

The diplomatic ties between Venezuela and Algeria are founded on shared values such as independence, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination. Both nations have consistently rejected foreign interference and have actively contributed to the causes of peace and freedom on their respective continents.

The strengthening of relations gained significant momentum with the advent of President Hugo Chávez, and this positive trajectory has continued under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro. The commitment to common principles has been evident in the nations’ collaboration in international forums, including OPEC, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, and joint efforts in fostering cooperation between South America and Africa.

Milestones in Bilateral Collaboration

The relationship between the two nations has seen several milestones, including official visits at the highest levels. Key events such as the First OPEC Summit in Algiers in 1975, the Second OPEC Summit in 2000, and the II ASA Summit in Porlamar in 2009 have strengthened the diplomatic ties.

Bilateral agreements in diverse areas, including energy, transport, communications, culture, and trade, underscore the multifaceted nature of the collaboration. The formation of the “Algeria-Venezuela” parliamentary friendship group further demonstrates the commitment to promoting comprehensive cooperation and deepening dialogue between the two nations at the parliamentary level.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

President Nicolás Maduro’s two-day working and friendship visit to Algeria marked another significant chapter in bilateral relations. During this visit, fruitful discussions were held with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, where both nations noted a convergence of views on various international issues of common interest. These included matters related to the Palestinian and Sahrawi causes, as well as the situation in Libya.

Recent initiatives, such as the inauguration of a direct flight linking Algiers and Caracas, signify a practical step towards enhancing direct communication and fostering people-to-people ties. Additionally, the commitment to establish a radio station and a bank for Southern countries, including those in Africa, underscores Venezuela’s broader strategy to promote collaboration and economic partnerships within the Global South.

Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.