Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans on Friday to visit Venezuela, highlighting what he described as improving diplomatic relations between the two nations. During a press briefing, Trump praised Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, indicating a strong and cooperative relationship, particularly concerning oil resources. He rated the bilateral relationship highly, stating it was a "10 out of 10," and confirmed U.S. recognition of Rodriguez's interim administration.
According to Thai News Agency, Trump expressed admiration for the interim government's efforts and reiterated the United States' official recognition of Rodriguez's leadership. He noted the close ties formed with Rodriguez's administration and lauded their cooperation on various fronts. Despite the affirmation of these ties, Trump did not provide specific details regarding his upcoming visit to Venezuela.
The backdrop to Trump's announcement is the United States' recent actions concerning Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro, who was taken into custody by U.S. officials last January. Maduro's arrest followed an indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice on charges including drug-related terrorism and trafficking, as well as firearms offenses. The U.S. government alleges that Maduro played a significant role in facilitating the massive export of illegal drugs into the United States.
Despite Trump's positive remarks, the White House has yet to clarify its official stance on Rodriguez's government. Recent statements from senior U.S. officials suggest that the interim government has not been universally recognized as legitimate. Furthermore, in an interview with NBC News, Rodriguez continued to refer to Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president, indicating a complex and evolving political landscape in the region.