VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT MADURO CALLS FOR 'DEEP ECONOMIC INTEGRATION WITH BRAZIL AND COLOMBIA

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called for progress in “deep economic integration” with Brazil and Colombia as the country looks to strengthen its ties with its neighbours.

​At a Tuesday meeting with Colombian President Ivan Duque, Maduro said that the three countries should work together to develop their economies and “overcome the challenge of the economic blockade and the aggression” from the United States.

Maduro noted that the countries have a long-standing trade relationship and that it is “essential” to strengthen the partnership. He also suggested that the nations should work together to increase the production of oil and natural gas and make “joint investments in industrialisation, agriculture, and food production.”

The Venezuelan president also proposed that the three countries should form a “regional economic platform” that would promote the exchange of goods and services, as well as the development of infrastructure. Maduro added that the platform should also include sharing technology and developing renewable energy sources.

The Venezuelan leader’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela and increasing economic hardship in the country. In recent months, the US has imposed sanctions on the Venezuelan government and its officials to pressure Maduro to step down.

Despite the country's political and economic strife, Maduro expressed confidence in the potential of a “deep economic integration” between Venezuela and its neighbours. He said the initiative would create “new opportunities” for the countries to “build a better future together.”

The meeting between Maduro and Duque was the first between the two leaders in nearly a year. It is expected that the two countries will continue to work together to strengthen their economic ties and promote their respective countries' development.