Dominica welcomes Venezuelan Navy training vessel to strengthen bilateral ties

The Government of Dominica on Tuesday said the arrival of the Venezuelan Navy training vessel, the AB Simón Bolívar (BE‑11), is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Roseau and Caracas.

A total of 216 people are aboard the ship, including 120 cadets from the Bolivarian Navy and other academies of the Bolivarian Military University. The 36th training cruise abroad mission, titled “Seas of Unity for the Dream of Bolívar 2026,” is expected to last approximately three months and will include visits to five Caribbean countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vince Henderson said the visit represents the deepening of longstanding ties between the two nations.

“Your presence here represents something greater. The relationship between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has, over the years, been characterised by solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation,” Henderson said during a welcoming and plaque exchange ceremony.

“Our engagement has been strengthened through initiatives such as energy cooperation under the Petro-Caribbean framework as well as broader regional collaboration within CARICOM and other multilateral fora. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development, resilience, and the advancement of our people.”

Henderson said Dominica and Venezuela stand as bilateral partners “united by common principles” and that the visit reinforces those shared ideals.

“It is through such engagements that we continue to build bridges of understanding, deepen diplomatic ties, and foster people-to-people connections that endure beyond official exchanges,” he added.

Minister for Youth with responsibility for the Cadet Corps, Greta Roberts, described the Venezuelan officers as ambassadors of their country.

“To serve your country in this way, to commit yourselves to discipline, leadership, and learning, and to travel across the seas in the spirit of training and exchange is truly admirable.

“We understand that this voyage is part of a broader training mission that sharpens your skills as future naval officers and allows you to engage with the cultures, histories, and people of the Caribbean and beyond.

“Indeed, you can be described as ambassadors carrying messages of friendship, cooperation, and peace. And this is why your presence here in Dominica is so meaningful,” she said.

Roberts added that beyond its natural beauty, Dominica remains committed to strengthening relationships across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Venezuela.