The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, marking a major shift in relations between the two countries after years of political conflict.
The U.S. State Department said the move is aimed at helping Venezuela promote stability, support economic recovery and advance political reconciliation following months of political upheaval in the country.
The agreement comes after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces during a military operation in January, an event that dramatically changed the political situation in the South American nation.
Since then, Delcy RodrÃguez, previously the country’s vice president, has been serving as interim leader and has signaled willingness to engage with Washington.
Officials from both countries have held meetings in Caracas to discuss economic cooperation and the reopening of diplomatic missions.
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela were severed in 2019 during the political crisis when Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.
The renewed ties could lead to the reopening of embassies, expanded economic cooperation and new political negotiations aimed at stabilizing Venezuela and preparing the country for a possible democratic transition.
