Venezuela and U.S. Resume Talks Amid Political Transition
Caracas, Venezuela – – Venezuela and the United States have initiated talks focused on energy, trade and a political transition, marking a significant shift after years of severed diplomatic relations. The discussions were initiated following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces and his subsequent removal from power.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez met with U.S. Envoy Laura Dogu at the Miraflores presidential palace on , according to statements released by both governments. The meeting signaled a willingness from both sides to address matters of bilateral interest through diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect.
“The governments of Venezuela and the United States have set out to advance on a roadmap to address matters of bilateral interest, through diplomatic dialogue and on the basis of mutual respect and international law,” a Venezuelan government statement said. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced the appointment of former foreign minister Felix Plasencia as Venezuela’s “diplomatic representative” in Washington, a pivotal change in diplomatic relations that were severed in 2019.
Dogu, Washington’s charge d’affaires in Venezuela, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that her talks with Rodriguez centered around Washington’s framework for Venezuela of “stabilization, economic recovery, reconciliation and transition.” However, the precise meaning of “transition” remains unclear.
The political landscape in Venezuela has undergone substantial changes since Rodriguez’s swearing-in last month. Since then, Venezuela’s oil law has been reformed, and a number of political prisoners have been released. Rodriguez proposed a General Amnesty Bill last week that could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists.
Rodriguez has expressed a desire for “balanced and respectful international relations” with the U.S. This sentiment was echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly had a “great conversation” with Rodriguez, describing her as a “terrific person.” Following that conversation, the two countries agreed on exports of up to $2 billion in Venezuelan crude to the U.S.
Gil indicated that the diplomatic focus moving forward would involve “addressing the differences and historical controversies between the United States and Venezuela,” reviewing a “common agenda, especially on energy, trade, and politics.”
In addition to the meeting with Dogu, Rodriguez has been consolidating her new government by appointing key cabinet members. Daniella Cabello, the daughter of Venezuela’s powerful interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, was appointed as the Tourism Minister. Diosdado Cabello’s support is considered critical to Rodriguez’s government, as he was widely considered the second-most powerful figure in Venezuela under Maduro.
The appointments follow Rodriguez’s recent reshuffling of the country’s top military brass, with 12 senior officers appointed to regional commands. Businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of Maduro, was among those dismissed.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated she would be willing to meet with Rodriguez “if it’s necessary” to establish a “transition timeline,” but also characterized Rodriguez’s interim government as “still the mafia.”
The resumption of talks and the political changes in Venezuela come after Maduro was captured in a U.S. Military operation last month and transported to New York to face drug charges. Much of Maduro’s government remains in place despite his removal.
