Venezuela Names New Envoy to US After High-Level Talks
- Caracas and Washington are engaging in a new phase of dialogue, marked by a recent meeting between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a Chinese envoy just hours before...
- On Monday, Delcy Rodríguez, a leading figure in the Venezuelan government, appointed Félix Plasencia as the country’s new diplomatic representative to the United States, according to Venezuelan Foreign...
- The appointment followed a meeting in the Miraflores Palace between Rodríguez and Laura Dogu, the U.S.
Venezuela and U.S. Initiate Dialogue Amidst Diplomatic Shifts
Caracas and Washington are engaging in a new phase of dialogue, marked by a recent meeting between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a Chinese envoy just hours before reported U.S. Strikes, and subsequent discussions between U.S. And Venezuelan officials. These developments signal a potential shift in relations between the two countries, following years of strained ties.
On Monday, Delcy Rodríguez, a leading figure in the Venezuelan government, appointed Félix Plasencia as the country’s new diplomatic representative to the United States, according to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil. Plasencia is expected to travel to the U.S. With his team in the coming days.
The appointment followed a meeting in the Miraflores Palace between Rodríguez and Laura Dogu, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Venezuela. Gil stated that the meeting initiated a bilateral agenda to address historical differences and controversies. Discussions reportedly covered peace initiatives, as well as energy, political, and economic matters.
Delcy Rodríguez received the Chargé d’Affaires, Laura Dogu. Photo:Prensa Presidencial
Plasencia, described as a close associate of Rodríguez, visited Washington in mid-January to establish contacts related to the bilateral relationship. This visit coincided with a trip to the U.S. Capital by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, as the Venezuelan government reportedly sought to strengthen its communication with the Trump administration and establish a presence alongside the opposition.
Recent U.S.-Venezuela Interactions
The diplomatic moves come after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Rodríguez in recent weeks. Following the call, the U.S. Administration announced measures including the unfreezing of Venezuelan assets and the resumption of flights between the two countries.
Venezuela has also been taking steps related to its energy sector, including the processing of a new hydrocarbon law that contemplates the participation of private actors in the oil industry.
Who is Félix Plasencia?
Félix Plasencia is a Venezuelan diplomat born in Maracay in 1972. He holds a degree in International Relations from the Central University of Venezuela and has received further education at European universities. He previously served as Vice Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2021 and 2022, and as ambassador to China and the United Kingdom. Most recently, he was serving as ambassador to London when appointed to the U.S. Role in 2024.
The developments occur as Chinese diplomats arrived in Venezuela for talks with Maduro hours before the U.S. Strikes, and remain in the country as of today, .
In a separate development, top U.S. Military officials recently met with leaders from Caribbean nations, though the specific connection to the Venezuela situation was not detailed in available reports.
President Trump announced plans for new “Trump Class” warships, a move that could be seen as a demonstration of U.S. Military strength in the region, though its direct relevance to the ongoing diplomatic efforts remains unclear.