# Portuguese diplomatic mission to Venezuela

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-diplomatic-mission-to-venezuela
> Updated: 2026-09-26T02:15:59.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Portuguese Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida is scheduled to visit Venezuela in late October alongside Secretary of State for Communities Emídio Sousa and a business delegation. 

According to the Portuguese Ambassador to Venezuela, Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva, the mission aims to engage with Venezuelan authorities, the local business sector, and the Portuguese-Venezuelan business community. The ambassador noted that Portugal is the only European Union country to send government members to the nation following the events of January 3, which involved a U.S. military operation and the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. 

The diplomatic objectives include encouraging reforms, promoting the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, while maintaining contact with the Portuguese community in Venezuela.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Portugal Economy Minister to visit Venezuela in October

Portuguese Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida and a business delegation are set to visit Venezuela in late October to engage with authorities and promote democratic reforms.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-economy-minister-to-visit-venezuela-in-october

### 2026-09-16: Portugal Economy Minister warns against VAT reduction

Portugal's Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida warned that reducing VAT may benefit retailers and wealthy consumers rather than lowering costs for families in need.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-economy-minister-warns-against-vat-reduction

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Cite as: Portuguese diplomatic mission to Venezuela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-diplomatic-mission-to-venezuela