The United States and interim Venezuelan authorities have agreed to reestablish diplomatic and consular relations to “facilitate joint efforts” towards economic recovery and reconciliation, according to a statement from the State Department, without further details.
Shortly after, in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has been leading the country since the capture of Nicolas Maduro on January 3 in a U.S. military operation, stated that it “reaffirms its willingness to move forward in a new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, sovereign equality of states, and cooperation between our peoples” for a “positive and mutually beneficial relationship.”
This announcement comes as U.S. Interior Minister Doug Burgum concluded a two-day visit to Venezuela on Thursday, expressing confidence in the country’s mining and oil prospects.
Known for his ties to the oil and mining industry, Mr. Burgum stated before leaving Caracas that Venezuela would ensure the security of mining companies operating in the country and was confident in the increase of its oil production amid tensions over crude oil prices due to conflicts in the Middle East.
“I am very optimistic about an environment where investments will flow, not only towards oil and offshore gas, not only towards Caracas, but also towards the interior of the country where these considerable resources are actually located,” Mr. Burgum told the press.
Under pressure from the United States, Ms. Rodriguez has welcomed several American officials, leading to a revision of the hydrocarbon law to open the sector to private investment, the issuance of an amnesty for all political prisoners, and announced judicial reform.
She also promised a revision of the mining code, clarifying to Mr. Burgum during their meeting that the Assembly would work on the text on Monday.
The mining sector in Venezuela, rich in minerals such as gold, diamond, bauxite, coltan, and other rare minerals used in computer and mobile phone production, is concentrated in the 112,000 km2 Arc Minier, an unstable area with armed groups, including guerrillas and organized gangs.
Furthermore, SOS Orinoco warned of a reduction of 945,000 hectares of forest land since 2000, based on satellite image analysis.
Mining activities have faced criticism due to the lack of transparency surrounding them.
The Interior Minister, also President of the United States Council for Energy Domination, expressed optimism about Venezuela’s oil production after the hydrocarbon law revision.
“Whatever goals are set for 2026 in terms of oil and gas production, I am convinced that Venezuela will not only achieve them but surpass them,” he said.
Washington imposed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gold sectors after Mr. Maduro’s re-election in 2018 following an opposition boycott.
Since Nicolas Maduro’s capture, Donald Trump has taken control of the oil sector and slightly eased sanctions against Venezuela.
Mr. Burgum’s visit follows that of U.S. Energy Minister Chris Wright two weeks ago, where he visited oil sites.
“The Venezuela is only a few hours away from the United States,” remarked the Interior Minister. “It takes four days for a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil to reach America. A tanker sometimes takes 40 days to arrive from Asia. It’s a huge opportunity.”
“People are concerned about oil and gas prices in America. (…) Venezuela, with its resources, is undoubtedly a huge victory for Venezuela, a huge victory for America,” Mr. Burgum praised.
Venezuela, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, aims to increase its crude production by 18% in 2026. The country produced 1.2 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2025, up from a historic low of around 360,000 b/d in 2020, still far from the three million extracted daily at the beginning of the century.
