Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 21, 2019 (SKNIS): Marco Antonio Guzmán Adrian, Chargé d’ Affaires Ad Hoc of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, presented his Letter of Credence to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, the Honourable Mark Brantley on Monday, May 20, 2019.

This presentation, officially symbolizes Mr. Guzmán Adrian’s official assumption of the role, as the resident chief diplomat at the Venezuelan Embassy in Basseterre.

Foreign Minister Brantley, welcomed the new Venezuelan diplomat and noted that “the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis remains very strong.”

Minister Brantley also informed that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains very concerned about the developing situation in Venezuela. He assured the Venezuelan diplomat that the position of St. Kitts and Nevis remains consistent, as the country continues to encourage dialogue, respect for the constitution, respect for the rule of law and non- intervention and non– interference, as the ideal avenues to bring peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.

Mr. Guzmán Adrian expressed his deep desire to work closely with the Government of the Federation to “increase and strengthen the already excellent relations between both countries.” Amongst his immediate plans, the new Chargé d’ Affaires Ad Hoc, highlighted his intentions to revitalize the work at the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation, with a relaunch later this year, where nationals would again have a great opportunity to benefit from Spanish language classes and various cultural activities

Minister Brantley further advised Chargé Guzmán Adrian that he equally looks forward to working with him for a successful tour of duty in the Federation.

Mr. Guzmán Adrian is a career diplomat with over thirty years’ experience working in the Foreign Service of the Government of Venezuela. He has served in various countries in South America, the Caribbean and Africa, at very senior diplomatic ranks.

The most recent resident Venezuelan Ambassador to St Kitts and Nevis, H.E. Rómulo Camilo Henriquez Gonzalez served from April 16, 2013, until he was recalled in April 2018.  Mr. José Antonio Olavarría replaced Ambassador Gonzalez as head of Mission, in the capacity of  Chargé d’Affaires  ad interim, from April 2018 until April 2019.