Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez met on Monday with US envoy Laura Dogu as both countries take steps to restore diplomatic relations that were severed in 2019.
“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 after the meeting.
The talks, held at the Miraflores presidential palace, focused on a shared agenda that includes energy, trade, and political and economic matters, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said. Gil also announced the appointment of former foreign minister Felix Plasencia as Venezuela’s “diplomatic representative” in Washington.
Dogu later posted on X that her discussions with Rodriguez centered on Washington’s framework for Venezuela: “stabilization, economic recovery, reconciliation and transition.”
Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president last month after a US raid captured President Nicolas Maduro, an event that has triggered major political changes in the country. Since her swearing-in, Venezuela’s oil law has been reformed and a number of political prisoners have been released. Rodriguez last week proposed a General Amnesty Bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of political detainees, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists.
Rodriguez has said she seeks “balanced and respectful international relations” with the United States. Last month, US President Donald Trump said he had a “great conversation” with Rodriguez, calling her a “terrific person.” The two countries have also agreed on exports of up to $2 billion in Venezuelan crude to the US.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who remains a vocal critic of the interim government, told reporters during a video call that she is open to meeting Rodriguez to discuss a possible transition timeline if necessary.
Edited by: Rana Taha
