Venezuela and the United States are restoring diplomatic relations, the two countries announced Thursday, in a new sign of thaw after Washington ousted former President Nicolás Maduro.
The announcement came as US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum concluded a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump’s push for greater access to the country’s mineral wealth.
The reestablishment of diplomatic and consular relations “will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and promote political reconciliation in Venezuela,” the US State Department said. “Our commitment is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a gradual process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.”
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry said it would “advance a new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, the sovereign equality of States and cooperation between our peoples,” adding that renewed ties would be “positive and mutually beneficial.”
The announcement came hours after Burgum, a Trump Cabinet member who heads the National Energy Domain Council, said he had received assurances from Caracas that the government would guarantee the security of foreign mining companies interested in investing there.
Burgum, who held talks with interim President Delcy Rodríguez during his trip, said dozens of companies had expressed interest in investing in Venezuela. “I think we’re going to see this administration very concerned about providing the right kind of security,” Burgum said.
He told reporters that their meetings were “fantastically positive” and predicted that Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets in 2026.
The Trump administration claims that it, in effect, runs Venezuela and controls the country’s vast natural resources after overthrowing Maduro.
Burgum is the second senior U.S. official to visit the country since the Jan. 3 bombing that left about 100 dead and brought Maduro and his wife to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges.
In addition to 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 a territory known as Arco Minero del Orinoco, where armed groups operate.
Burgum’s visit follows that of US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who pushed for a “dramatic increase” in Venezuela’s oil production and spoke of “tremendous opportunities” for both Washington and Caracas.
The glowing assessments from both men, which echo Trump’s stance, reflect the radical shift in relations between Washington and Caracas since Maduro’s capture.
Trump has allowed Rodríguez, who was Maduro’s vice president, to ascend to interim leader as long as she grants the United States access to Venezuela’s natural resources.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and Rodríguez last month reformed the state-controlled oil sector to allow a wave of private investment. He now has his sights set on updating the mining code.
