Ukraine, alongside 20 other countries, has signed a joint declaration regarding Venezuela's presidential election results. The signing took place during the inauguration of the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader. This visit marks the first Ukrainian delegation's trip to the Dominican Republic in 22 years, with Ukraine represented by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko.
The declaration, signed in Santo Domingo, calls for restraint from all political actors in Venezuela. Signatories include Argentina, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, Guyana, Italy, the Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Uruguay, and the European Union.
Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the importance of respecting human dignity and democratic principles, calling for the protection of human rights and freedoms in Venezuela, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The declaration also demands the release of those arbitrarily detained during peaceful protests and condemns the violence that resulted in numerous Venezuelan deaths post-election.
Signatories urge the publication of original election protocols and an impartial, independent review of the results, ideally by an international organization, to ensure respect for the Venezuelan people's will.
During the Dominican Republic's presidential inauguration events, Yulia Svyrydenko met with Vice President Raquel Peña, who assured that the Dominican Republic has potential as a logistics hub for Ukrainian exports and is interested in increasing imports from Ukraine. Ukraine and the Dominican Republic agreed to enhance cooperation through their chambers of commerce to conduct business forums and strengthen bilateral trade.
Additionally, Yulia Svyrydenko held meetings with President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of Suriname, Prime Minister Johnny Briceño of Belize, and Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco of Costa Rica.
