Venezuela and the United States are restoring diplomatic ties, the two countries announced Thursday, in a new sign of thawing relations after Washington ousted former President Nicolas Maduro.
The announcement came as US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum completed a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump’s push for greater access to the country’s mineral wealth.
The re-establishment of diplomatic and consular relations will “facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela,” the US State Department said.
“Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a step-by-step process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.”
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Venezuela’s foreign ministry said it will “continue in a new phase of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereign equality of states and cooperation between our peoples”, adding that renewed relations are “positive and mutually beneficial”.
The announcement came hours after Bergum, a member of the Trump cabinet who leads the National Energy Dominance Council, said he had received assurances from Caracas that he would ensure the security of foreign mining companies eager to invest there.
‘The Right Kind of Security’
Bergum, who held talks with Acting President Delsey Rodriguez during his trip, said dozens of companies have expressed interest in investing in Venezuela.
“I think you’re going to see that this government is very concerned about providing the right kind of security,” Burgum said.
He told reporters his meetings were “incredibly positive” and predicted Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets in 2026.
The Trump administration says it effectively runs Venezuela and controls the country’s vast natural resources after ousting Maduro.
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Bergum is the second senior U.S. official to visit since the Jan. 3 bombings that killed nearly 100 people, and Maduro and his wife flew to New York for trial on drug-trafficking charges.
Besides oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite, coltan and other rare materials used to make computers and mobile phones.
Mining activity is concentrated in an area known as the Orinoco Mining Arc, where armed groups are active.
Bergum’s visit follows that of US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who called for a “dramatic increase” in Venezuela’s oil production and spoke of “tremendous opportunities” for both Washington and Caracas.
Both men’s enthusiastic assessments, which echo Trump’s stance, reflect a sea change in relations between Washington and Caracas since Maduro’s ouster.
Trump has allowed RodrÃguez, Maduro’s vice president, to continue as interim leader until the U.S. grants access to Venezuela’s natural resources.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and RodrÃguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment. She now has her sights set on updating the mining code.
(With FRANCE 24 AFP)
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