Abinader and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez discuss energy, tourism and consular ties

Rome.- Dominican President Luis Abinader held a bilateral meeting with Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Rome, where they discussed energy cooperation, tourism and consular relations during the 2026 World Food Forum.

Abinader announced that the Dominican Republic will open a consulate in Venezuela to strengthen consular relations and improve services for citizens of both countries.

The leaders also discussed the possibility of direct Dominican purchases of petroleum derivatives from Venezuela, including AC30 fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The details will be addressed by the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa) and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).

Rodríguez praised Abinader’s speech at the FAO forum, where he highlighted the Dominican Republic’s official removal from the Hunger Map. She also thanked the Dominican government for its support following a recent earthquake in Venezuela, particularly the early deployment of Dominican rescue personnel and doctors.

The Venezuelan leader expressed interest in expanding cooperation in energy and tourism and said Venezuela’s consular representation in Santo Domingo will soon appoint a consul to assist Venezuelan citizens.

Both governments will continue discussions on potential petroleum purchases through Refidomsa and PDVSA.

The meeting also touched on sporting relations, including the possibility of organizing a baseball miniseries between the Dominican and Venezuelan national teams under the proposed name “The Rematch.”