On Friday, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, held a high-level meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The discussion focused on reviewing cooperation projects across the energy, gas, trade, agriculture, tourism, and investment sectors.

The meeting followed Venezuela’s participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP31), held in Antalya.

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During the session, both delegations evaluated the roadmap for strategic cooperation and joint projects between Caracas and Doha. Priority areas include the energy sector, the gas industry, trade, agriculture, tourism, and mutual investments.

The meeting reaffirms a diplomatic relationship that has spanned 53 years, having been formally established in 1973. According to the source, the discussion aimed to expand logistical connectivity between the Caribbean and Western Asia, update agreements regarding the gas, agri-food, and tourism sectors, and increase bilateral investments.

The encounter also serves as a continuation of the agenda pursued throughout 2026, following the Qatari Prime Minister’s official visit to the Miraflores Palace in February.

A key topic of the dialogue was the recent launch of the Doha–Bogotá–Caracas route by Qatar Airways, with the inaugural flight landing at Maiquetía International Airport on November 4. With this operation, the airline became the first carrier from the Persian Gulf to maintain regular scheduled flights to Venezuela.

Este viernes 13 de noviembre, la Presidenta @delcyrodriguezv y el Primer Ministro de Qatar, Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, en reunión de trabajo evaluaron los proyectos conjuntos en materia energética, gasífera, comercial, agrícola, turística y de inversión. pic.twitter.com/aH1NN1y5iW

— Ministerio del Despacho de la Presidencia (@MinDespacho_Ve) November 13, 2026

The text reads, “This Friday, November 13, President @delcyrodriguezv and the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held a working meeting to evaluate joint projects in the areas of energy, gas, commerce, agriculture, tourism, and investment.”

The route operates twice weekly—on Wednesdays and Sundays—using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. This connection provides Venezuela with access to an international network spanning more than 160 destinations across Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. The presence of Qatar as a guest country at the 19th International Tourism Fair of Venezuela (FITVen) is also part of an effort to boost tourism and commercial exchange between the two nations.

The delegations highlighted the humanitarian assistance provided by Qatar—and by the Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani—following the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The Qatari government established an air bridge for aid and deployed a field hospital in Caracas to care for the affected population.

This humanitarian response led to the rescheduling of the commercial launch of the air route, which had initially been planned for July.

The engagement between Venezuela and Qatar is part of a broader framework of South-South cooperation and strategic integration in the fields of energy, air transport, and productive development throughout 2026. The meeting aims to solidify a bilateral agenda focused on expanding investments, strengthening air connectivity, and deepening commercial ties between the two nations.

The acting president also expressed gratitude to the people and government of Türkiye for sending rescue brigades following the June earthquakes—a gesture that took place within the context of diplomatic efforts linking bilateral cooperation to the international climate agenda.

The text reads, “Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to the future of the planet.
At COP31, in Türkiye, we are bringing our voice to the world. We are a megadiverse nation, with more than 64% of our territory protected by law—nearly 22% of which consists of national parks. Since 2018, we have reforested nearly 70,000 hectares, and 80% of our electricity generation comes from hydroelectric sources. We advocate for a just energy transition that fosters development without compromising the protection of our Mother Earth. I have announced the creation of the “Venezuela Lives” (Venezuela Vive) Plan—an initiative that will coordinate efforts to preserve our forests, waters, oceans, and biodiversity. Because protecting nature means safeguarding life for present and future generations.”

Prior to the meeting, Rodríguez participated in the High-Level Segment of COP31 at the Antalya Expo Center, where she advocated for climate justice and a multipolar order that prioritizes environmental preservation over the interests of polluting corporations.

In her address, the Venezuelan leader noted that more than 64 percent of the national territory is under legal protection—with nearly 22 percent designated as national parks—and that nearly 70,000 hectares have been reforested since 2018. Furthermore, she pointed out that 80 percent of Venezuela’s electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, alongside ongoing projects to expand solar photovoltaic energy.

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