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US and Venezuela restore formal diplomatic relations
The United States and Venezuela announced Thursday they will re-establish full diplomatic and consular ties, marking a major shift after years of strained relations and the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Joint statement outlines goals
A joint statement released by both governments said the two nations will work together to foster stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation. The U.S. State Department described the move as part of a "phased process" aimed at creating conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government in Venezuela.
Maduro's capture and ongoing trial
Diplomatic relations began improving after U.S. troops detained Maduro and his wife in a surprise raid in January. They were flown to New York to face charges of weapons trafficking and drug offenses, which they deny. Maduro is scheduled to stand trial later this month.
The U.S. has accused Maduro's administration of running a criminal organization involved in illegal mining, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.
Venezuela's response and economic interests
The Venezuelan government said it is committed to a "new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect," with the goal of improving the "social and economic happiness of the Venezuelan people." However, Caracas made no mention of political transition or future elections, a key demand from Washington.
Since Maduro's capture, the U.S. has relaxed some sanctions, allowing Venezuela to sell oil under U.S. oversight. Venezuela also amended its laws to attract more foreign investment in its oil sector, which holds the world's largest proven reserves.
Energy and mining cooperation
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who leads President Donald Trump's National Energy Dominance Council, visited Caracas this week. He called the U.S. intervention in Venezuela a "brilliant strategic move" to counter Iran, which the U.S. and Israel targeted in military strikes last month, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Burgum said the move would help ensure "oil will flow to America." On Wednesday, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez and Burgum announced plans to collaborate on developing the country's mining sector, which includes gold, diamonds, and rare earth minerals used in electronics.
Diplomatic staff and next steps
The U.S. embassy in Caracas, closed since 2019, has reopened, and Washington has appointed a new diplomat to Venezuela. Sources told the BBC that additional U.S. diplomatic staff from the embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, will soon relocate to Caracas to facilitate face-to-face negotiations and consular services.
The U.S. State Department emphasized that its engagement remains focused on supporting the Venezuelan people and creating conditions for a democratic transition.
