In a potential sign of rapidly improving relations, Venezuelan Interim President Delsy Rodriguez is expected to visit the United States soon. A high-ranking U.S. official confirmed the planned visit, though a specific date has not yet been set.
The invitation marks a dramatic shift in the relationship between Washington and Caracas, particularly following the apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces and his subsequent transfer to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Since then, and with a U.S. naval fleet positioned off the Venezuelan coast, Rodriguez has allowed U.S. mediation in the sale of Venezuelan oil, pledged to facilitate foreign investment, and released dozens of political prisoners.
“We are engaged in a dialogue and working with the United States without fear,” Rodriguez stated last Wednesday. “We aim to address our differences and difficulties, both sensitive and less so, through diplomatic channels.”
President Donald Trump spoke with Interim President Rodriguez by phone last week, discussing issues ranging from oil and minerals to trade and national security. Trump described the call as “very good,” adding that they are “making great progress in helping Venezuela stabilize and recover.”
“The partnership between the United States and Venezuela will be fantastic for everyone,” Trump said. “Venezuela will soon be a great and prosperous nation, perhaps greater than ever before.”
Rodriguez described the call with Trump as “lengthy, productive, and pleasant” in a post on X. “During the call, we discussed the bilateral cooperation agenda for the benefit of our people and outstanding issues in relations between our governments,” she wrote.
If the visit occurs, Rodriguez would be the first Venezuelan head of state to visit the United States in over a quarter-century, excluding those attending United Nations meetings in New York. The last official visit by a Venezuelan president was in the 1990s, prior to the rise of the late Hugo Chavez.
Observers believe that the potential visit to the United States, marks a significant step in the evolving dynamic between the two nations.
