Venezuela and the United States are resuming diplomatic ties, both 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 wrapped up a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump’s push for better access to the country’s mineral wealth.
The restoration of diplomatic and consular relations “will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, promote economic recovery and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela,” the US State Department said.
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“Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward in a gradual process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.”
Venezuela’s foreign ministry said it would “advance in a new phase of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, sovereign equality of states and cooperation between our people”, 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 Dominance Council, said he had received assurances from Caracas that the government would ensure the safety of foreign mining companies looking to invest there.
“The Right Kind of Security”
Burgum, who held talks with Interim President Delcy Rodriguez during his trip, said dozens of companies have expressed interest in investing in Venezuela.
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“I think you’re going to see that this government is going to be very concerned about providing the right kind of security,” Burgum said.
He told reporters that his meetings were “fantastically positive” and predicted that Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets in 2026.
The Trump administration claims to effectively rule Venezuela after ousting Maduro and control the country’s vast natural resources.
Burgum is the second senior US official to visit since the January 3 bombing that left around 100 dead and saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York to stand trial on drug-trafficking charges.
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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 the area known as the Orinoco Mining Arc, 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 enthusiastic assessments of both men, which mirror Trump’s stance, reflect a sea change in relations between Washington and Caracas since Maduro’s takeover.
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Trump has allowed Rodriguez, who was Maduro’s vice president, to become interim leader if the U.S. grants access to Venezuela’s natural resources.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and Rodriguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to allow a wave of private investment. He is now focusing on updating the mining code.
Disclaimer: This story was published from the agency’s news feed without editing the text.
