Venezuela initiates a complete suspension of energy cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago, including promising joint gas projects. The decision is connected with a change in the political course of the new government of the island state, which has become closer to the US administration. This was reported by Reuters on October 28.
"The consequence of this will be the suspension of all gas agreements between Venezuela and Trinidad," the agency quoted Venezuelan Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez as saying.
A key project, the development of the Dragon gas field with reserves of 4.2 trillion cubic feet, was under threat of disruption.
"We have our own plans for the development of the economy in both the energy and non—energy sectors," the agency quoted Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar as saying.
It is noted that the reason for the aggravation of relations was the change of power in Trinidad and Tobago. The new Persad-Bissessar government, which came to power in April, took a pro-Washington position, which was perceived in Venezuela as an unfriendly step. The Venezuelan authorities also criticized the very procedure for Trinidad to obtain a license from the United States to negotiate the Dragon project, which was regarded as interference in internal affairs.