The Venezuelan government announced Friday that it is exploring the possibility of expanding diplomatic relations with the United States. This move signals a potential thaw in relations between the two nations.
In a statement, the Venezuelan government said it has “decided to initiate a predominantly exploratory diplomatic process with the United States government, with the aim of re-establishing diplomatic representation in both countries.” The statement further indicated that a Venezuelan delegation will visit the United States to conduct assessments.
The US State Department confirmed these developments, stating that American officials are exploring the “possibility of a gradual resumption” of embassy operations in Venezuela. These developments come after recent shifts in the Venezuelan political landscape.
Exchanges are already underway between Caracas and Washington. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported that a “diplomatic mission from the US State Department” arrived to conduct “logistical assessments related to diplomatic work.” In reciprocity, “a Venezuelan diplomatic mission will be sent to the United States to carry out corresponding diplomatic tasks,” the ministry added, emphasizing that “Venezuela stresses that maintaining peace is achieved through diplomatic solutions, not escalation.”
According to a US official, high-ranking officials visited Caracas Friday to consider the potential reopening of the US embassy, which has been closed since 2019. The official, who requested anonymity, told AFP that the top US diplomat in neighboring Colombia, John McNamara, and other staff members “traveled to Caracas to conduct an initial assessment of the possibility of resuming operations in phases.”
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation. Trump stated that the release of political prisoners in Venezuela is an indicator of a “pursuit of peace,” and that he has cancelled a second wave of planned actions. Trump also indicated that major oil companies would be at the White House Friday for a meeting almost entirely dedicated to Venezuelan oil.
