Colombia and Venezuela Reopen Shared Border with Symbolic Crossing
Colombia and Venezuela officially reopened their shared border on Monday, ending seven years of closures. The ceremony was chaired by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Freddy Bernal, the governor of Táchira state in Venezuela.
The event began with the two delegations performing their national anthems and a handshake, set at the Simón Bolívar international bridge, the main border crossing between the two nations. It included the inaugural passage of cargo trucks in both directions. The Venezuelan delegation was completed by Transport Minister Ramón Velasquez, Industry Minister Hipólito Abreu, and SENIAT inspector José David Cabello.
Although largely symbolic, the moment carried strong emotional resonance. On the Venezuelan side, about 50 people gathered to cheer, releasing balloons in the colors of both flags and chanting celebratory slogans.
In formal attire, Petro and the Venezuelan delegation observed the first Venezuelan truck crossing into Colombia. The truck carried 32 tons of iron and was adorned with the Venezuelan flag to enhance the festive mood. The vehicle honked its horn as it slowly moved across the Simón Bolívar bridge, marking the first official land export between the two countries in seven years. The truck carried two iron rolls, each weighing 16 tons, symbolizing a new beginning for cross-border trade.
The Simón Bolívar bridge links the Colombian town of Villa del Rosario in the Cúcuta metropolitan area, the capital of Norte de Santander, with the Venezuelan city of San Antonio in the Táchira province.
Petro spoke before the ceremony, asking what the day would mean for prosperity in Norte de Santander and for the Colombian people. Minutes later, a Colombian truck, decorated with the national flag and loaded with goods, crossed into Venezuela as part of the demonstration of restored trade.
The ceremony was attended by a broad delegation including Colombia’s foreign minister, Álvaro Leyva; minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Germán Umaña; and Transportation Minister Guillermo Rayes. Venezuelan officials joined them as spectators, while crowds on the Colombian side cheered the historic passage. A tall Venezuelan flag was raised along the bridge fence as trucks moved past, creating a scene of celebration and renewed cooperation.