Hugo Chavez talks trade with Alvaro Uribe

Economics was the primary topic discussed between Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe over the weekend.

During the meeting held at the Colombian port city of Cartagena, both leaders agreed to the creation a $200 million bilateral fund designed to boost trade between the neighboring countries. Chavez and Uribe also discussed possibilities for further economic cooperation and appointed new ambassadors whose areas of expertise include finance and commerce.

Despite political differences between both presidents, Chavez and Uribe acknowledged the need for both countries to tackle the global economic slowdown. Trade between Colombia and Venezuela reached a record $7.2 billion in 2008 though Chavez anticipated that it could grow to $10 billion by next year.

Little was reportedly discussed on political topics such as presidential reelection and Colombia’s armed conflict. Nonetheless, Chavez denied accusations that he was aiding Colombian guerillas:

"I repeat it again: if I were supporting any subversive, terrorist or violent movement in Colombia, I wouldn't be here," Chavez told reporters upon arriving at this Caribbean resort city 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) north of Bogota…

The Chavez-Uribe meeting comes six months after the two presidents met in the Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo, where they discussed the crisis between Colombia and Venezuela that began in November 2007 when Uribe abruptly ended Chavez's role as a mediator in releasing hostages being held by the FARC guerrillas.

Image- AP
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, Mercopress, AP, AFP, LAHT