The Venezuelan minister for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil Pinto, has accused the United States of attempting to exert control over Venezuela’s oil resources, asserting that such efforts will never succeed.
Speaking to Bbeg Media on the sidelines of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Pinto said the US has deployed military assets in the Caribbean Sea to intimidate the Venezuelan government over its oil resources.
“We categorically reject these efforts with the utmost resolve,” Pinto said.
The minister emphasised that the Venezuelan people will steadfastly oppose any attempts to control their oil resources, which, if properly utilised, could drive economic development to address challenges such as climate change, poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and economic security.
Pinto expressed Venezuela’s willingness to support Uganda in developing its nascent oil sector, offering technical expertise and moral support. He also praised Uganda’s chairmanship of NAM, noting its influence on the geopolitics of member states, fostering advancements in trade, finance, and capacity building in sectors such as energy, education, and labour.
Highlighting Venezuela’s improved stability and growing economic viability, Pinto invited NAM member states to visit and explore opportunities for economic integration. He expressed gratitude for the support of international organisations like NAM and the African Union, as well as countries like Uganda, which have maintained a neutral stance on issues affecting the Global South.
Pinto also commended President Museveni’s speech, which outlined proposals to strengthen economic diplomacy among member states.
In related discussions, Pakistan’s representative welcomed the Gaza peace deal, stating that the Palestinian people deserve lasting peace to resolve one of the longest-standing conflicts at the United Nations. Pakistan pledged to continue playing an active role in promoting peace in the Middle East.
Uzbekistan, another NAM member, urged the movement to prioritise practical policies on energy, the green economy, and UN reforms, calling for NAM to take a proactive stance on these matters.
The NAM summit, attended by nearly 145 member states from the Global South, reaffirmed their commitment to the movement’s founding principles.
