Venezuela » International Relations

Membership of international groupings/ organisations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) World Health Organisation (WHO) United Nations (UN)

Venezuela's Relations with Neighbours

Venezuela has no history of armed conflict with its neighbours, but low-key territorial disputes with Guyana and Colombia persist. A bilateral commission with Colombia and a UN Good Offices process, in the case of Guyana, are addressing these issues. Venezuela was invited to join Mercosur in late 2005 and duly did in 2006. It is now going through the long process of adaptation and cohesion to the norms and requirements of Mercosur.

Venezuela's Relations with the International Community

Venezuela is a founder member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In this context, Venezuela is influential on global energy issues. President Chávez is actively pursuing stronger relations with Latin American and Caribbean nations and major emerging markets such as China, Russia and India.

Venezuela's Relations with the UK

Venezuela and the UK have strong historical links. These date back principally to British involvement in Venezuela's independence struggle and support for both Francisco de Miranda and Simon Bolivar, the 'Liberator', both of whom spent time in London. President Chávez visited the UK as a guest of the British Government in October 2001 and on a private working visit in May 2006. The UK also has important trade interests with Venezuela; the UK is the fifth largest investor in Venezuela.

Trade and Investment with the UK 

UK exports to Venezuela were worth £236m in 2005, 26% up on 2004 (£187m). Chief UK exports are chemicals, beverages and medical and pharmaceutical products. Venezuela is the UK's 4th largest export market in Latin America (after Brazil, Mexico and Argentina). UK imports from Venezuela were worth £395m in 2005, 85% up on 2004 (£213m) and were mainly petroleum and petroleum derivatives.