Pablo Quirno says Venezuela aid could help restore ties between both governments

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said that government talks between Argentina and Venezuela over the delivery of humanitarian aid following the June 24 earthquakes could help restore bilateral relations, which have remained severed due to the ideological differences between the two administrations.  On Wednesday, Venezuela raised the death toll to 2,295, with more than 40,000 people still missing. Quirno made the remarks during a press conference, where he revealed that the Caribbean nation had agreed to allow Argentina to establish a consular office on its territory.  He said the move could help bring the two governments closer together. “We do not currently have a permanent consular representation in Venezuela, and Venezuela has agreed to allow us to have that consular team there. Obviously, this opens a door to dialogue, and we hope it will ultimately lead to a better understanding than we had before this tragedy,” he said. The foreign minister’s comments came as Argentina sent assistance to the Caribbean country following a conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvn Gil.  In a statement, the Argentine government said: “Beyond whatever differences may exist between our governments, President Javier Milei extends his hand in solidarity to the Venezuelan people in the face of a natural disaster that requires a response from the entire international community.” More help  In this context, the libertarian administration stepped up its humanitarian aid efforts on Tuesday. “Argentina’s assistance on Venezuelan territory will be reinforced with a new shipment aboard an Argentine Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft, which will carry five water tanks, a power generator, medical supplies, tents, a field kitchen and communications equipment, the new presidential spokesperson Adrin Ravier announced. “Two search dogs and their handlers will also be deployed. In addition, 38 personnel will travel to expand Argentina’s operational capabilities on the ground,” he added. Argentina had already contributed aircraft, specialists in different fields, equipment and medicines, among other supplies, positioning itself as one of the Latin American countries that has provided the most assistance during the difficult days following the disaster. Relations between the two countries have remained severed since the July 2024 presidential election in the Caribbean nation, in which the National Electoral Council declared Nicols Maduro the re-elected president.  Following the vote, Argentina and other countries questioned the transparency of the results. Maduro was captured on January 3 by the United States in a predawn raid by U.S. Armed Forces in Caracas. His vice president, Delcy Rodrguez, is currently the acting leader of the country, under the supervision of Washington. With information from mbito