The United States and the interim government in Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular ties, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Thursday. This new relationship will aim to foster a peaceful transition to elect a new government in the South American country.
Mutual Willingness
“This step will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela,” the State Department said in a statement.
It added, “Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.”
The Venezuelan government said in a statement on Thursday, “The Bolivarian Government reaffirms its willingness to move forward in a new phase of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereign equality of states, and cooperation between our peoples.”
“Venezuela expresses its confidence that this process will contribute to strengthening understanding and opening opportunities for a positive and mutually beneficial relationship,” the Venezuelan government said.
U.S. Embassy Re-Opens In Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered troops to seize former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who are now facing allegations of weapon and drug offences in a Manhattan court.
After months of heightened tensions following the U.S. operation to capture Maduro in January, which set off a period of political turbulence in the country, the two nations are now gradually resuming bilateral relations after the swearing-in of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
Rodriguez’s interim government has expressed interest in rebuilding ties with Washington, with possible diplomatic missions in both countries.
According to the BBC, the U.S. embassy in Caracas, which had closed in 2019, has now reopened, and Washington has appointed a new diplomat in Venezuela. More diplomatic staff from the U.S. embassy in Bogotá are also expected to be transferred to Caracas soon, which will make it much easier for officials to negotiate and provide consular services in person.
(With inputs from Reuters)
