Venezuela: Interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US envoy

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez met on Monday with US envoy Laura Dogu as the two countries move to restore diplomatic relations 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.

The meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace focused on a shared agenda including energy, trade and political and economic issues, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said.

Gil also announced the appointment of former foreign minister Felix Plasencia as Venezuela’s ‘diplomatic representative’ in Washington.

Undergoing major political changes

Dogu later posted on X that her talks with Rodriguez centred around Washington’s framework for Venezuela of ‘stabilisation, economic recovery, reconciliation and transition’.

Rodriguez was sworn in as the interim president last month after a US raid captured President Nicolas Maduro, triggering major political changes.

Since her swearing-in, Venezuela’s oil law has been reformed, and a number of political prisoners have been released.

Last week, Rodriguez proposed a General Amnesty Bill that could see the release of hundreds of political prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists.

Rodriguez has said that she seeks ‘balanced and respectful international relations’ with the US.

Last month, US President Donald Trump said he had a ‘great conversation’ with Rodriguez, whom he called a ‘terrific person’.

The two countries have since agreed on exports of up to US$2bn in Venezuelan crude to the US.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who remains deeply critical of the interim government, said during a video call to reporters she is open to meeting Rodriguez to discuss a transition timeline if necessary.

DW