Venezuela and the United States recently resumed bilateral talks in a tense context marked by US sanctions on the Venezuelan oil sector. Jorge Rodriguez, Venezuela’s chief negotiator and president of the National Assembly, announced on the X platform that the two countries were determined to “gain trust and improve relations” through respectful and constructive communication.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro surprised many by announcing the resumption of talks less than a month before the July 28 presidential election. This move is part of a series of discreet negotiations begun last year in Qatar.
During these preliminary discussions, a significant agreement was reached on the exchange of prisoners: the United States released Alex Saab, close to Maduro, in exchange for 28 prisoners, including 10 Americans and 18 Venezuelans. In return, the United States had temporarily eased the oil embargo imposed since 2019.
However, relations deteriorated again last April when Washington reimposed sanctions following the ineligibility of opposition figure Maria Corina Machado for the presidential election. This decision was seen by Caracas as an attempt to control and manipulate the Venezuelan oil industry.
Despite these obstacles, Nicolas Maduro remains optimistic, advocating “dialogue, understanding and a future for our relations” based on sovereignty and absolute independence. This statement underlines Venezuela’s determination to pursue a path of dialogue, despite ongoing tensions with the United States.
The road to full normalization of relations seems fraught with difficulties, but the resumption of talks shows an openness to collaboration. The coming months will be crucial for observing the evolution of this dynamic and its potential impact on the global energy sector.
United States and Venezuela resume dialogue despite sanctions
Venezuela and the United States have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations after virtual talks, despite persistent US sanctions on the oil sector.
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