Within the framework of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Latin American Council of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), held in Caracas, Member States approved the appointment of Colombia as Chair of the Latin American Council’s Bureau for the period 2025-2026.

Colombia, which also chaired the Bureau during the period 2024-2025, will continue to lead the Latin American Council of the organisation. The composition of the Bureau was also approved as follows:

· Uruguay: First Vice- Chair

· Cuba: Rapporteur

· Barbados: Second Vice- Chair

Upon assuming the Chair, the Colombian Ambassador to Venezuela, Milton Rengifo, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional integration and economic and social cooperation, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties among SELA Member States.

“Colombia is honoured to hold this position; you can count on our best efforts to continue working together for the well-being of the region,” added the Colombian Ambassador to Venezuela.

For his part, Mateo Bianchi Fossati, Secretary of the Foreign Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, a country that will soon assume the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2026, ratified his commitment to the First Vice- Chairmanship of SELA’s Bureau, “in order to coordinate all actions for better regional integration.”

The Latin American Council is SELA’s highest authority, responsible for defining common policies, strategies and priorities to promote integration and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its functions include representing Member States, coordinating regular and special meetings, and electing the Bureau at each session.

With more than five decades of work, SELA has established itself as a leading regional organisation, conducting consultation, coordination and cooperation activities, as well as joint economic and social promotion, with international legal personality before countries, groups of nations, forums and international organisations.

During this 51st Regular Meeting, SELA renewed its commitment to Member States to move towards greater and better integration!