March 6, 2026, 7:30 a.mMarch 6, 2026, 7:30 a.m
The United States and Venezuela’s interim government have agreed to resume diplomatic relations. The move will facilitate joint efforts to support economic recovery and promote stability in Venezuela, the US State Department said.
The USA and Venezuela want to resume diplomatic relations.Image: keystone
“Our commitment is focused on helping the Venezuelan people through a gradual process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government,” the statement said.
The interim government in Caracas confirmed the resumption of relations. She spoke of a new phase of “constructive dialogue” that should be based on mutual respect, sovereign equality of states and cooperation between peoples. The aim is to strengthen mutual understanding and open up opportunities for a positive relationship for mutual benefit, said the Foreign Ministry.
The US closed its embassy in Venezuela in 2019 and withdrew its staff after then-authoritarian head of state Nicolás Maduro broke off diplomatic relations with the United States.
Venezuela is in upheaval after Maduro’s fall
At the beginning of this year, the US military captured Maduro and his wife in an attack on the South American country and took them out of the country. Both are now in New York, where they are to be tried for alleged involvement in the international drug trade.
The South American country has been in a phase of political upheaval since Maduro’s fall. Delcy Rodríguez, who was previously Maduro’s deputy, took over as acting president. She is considered the US government’s key contact, especially in negotiations over the management of the country’s huge oil reserves, which Trump wants to use for the benefit of the US. Several US ministers have already met with her in Venezuela – most recently, Interior Minister Doug Burgum.
A few days ago, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado also announced her imminent return to her home country. (hkl/sda/dpa)