Jan 10, Kathmandu - Venezuela announced on Friday that it has begun negotiations to restore diplomatic relations with the United States. This move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following the U.S. military intervention in the country.

The development signals a potential thaw in relations, as U.S. diplomats have reportedly traveled to Caracas to discuss reopening the Venezuelan embassy. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump met with oil company executives in Washington to discuss gaining access to Venezuela’s vast crude oil reserves.

Venezuela’s interim President, Delsi Rodriguez, stated that her government has decided to initiate exploratory diplomatic talks with the U.S., aiming to re-establish full diplomatic ties. Foreign Minister Yván Gil emphasized that Venezuela is reviewing the situation through diplomatic channels.

In response, Venezuela has sent a delegation to Washington to engage in reciprocal discussions, according to official sources. Rodriguez condemned what she called a “serious, criminal, illegal, and unlawful attack” by the U.S., vowing that Venezuela would continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to address these issues.

U.S. Commitments and Oil Interests

U.S. President Donald Trump credited the release of some political prisoners in Venezuela as a reason for halting a second phase of military action. During a White House meeting, Trump urged top oil executives to invest in Venezuela’s oil reserves, although ExxonMobil’s CEO Daren Woods expressed caution, citing concerns over the need for significant reforms.

Trump highlighted that under Maduro’s leadership, foreign companies had little security, whereas now, “Venezuela is a completely different country.” He reaffirmed plans for U.S. companies to invest up to $100 billion in Venezuelan oil infrastructure, which has been severely damaged by years of neglect and sanctions.

The U.S. previously announced plans to sell between 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil. Trump also pledged that any funds sent to Caracas would be used solely to purchase U.S.-made products.

Maritime and Oil Sector Actions

Meanwhile, Washington continues to exert maritime pressure in the Caribbean, seizing the fifth tanker carrying Venezuelan crude oil. The state-owned oil company PdvSA confirmed in a statement that a ship was returning to Venezuelan waters, describing the operation as a “first successful joint operation” with U.S. authorities.

This series of moves indicates a complex and evolving diplomatic landscape, with Venezuela seeking to navigate renewed relations with the United States amidst ongoing economic and political challenges.