The United States and Venezuelan governments announced an agreement to restore diplomatic and consular relations. The decision was unveiled during a two-day visit to Venezuela by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Burgum's trip is part of US President Donald Trump's push for greater access to Venezuela's mineral wealth, following the ousting of former President Nicolás Maduro by Washington.

The US State Department claimed in a statement that this step "will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela." However, this "phased process" is widely viewed as a continuation of US interference in Venezuela's internal affairs and an attempt to assert control over the country's vast natural resources. Venezuela's Foreign Ministry stated it would "move forward in a new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation between our people."

Doug Burgum, after meetings with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, described his visit as "fantastically positive" and alleged that dozens of foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in Venezuela. He also claimed to have received assurances from Venezuelan authorities regarding security for foreign mining companies eager to operate in the country. Burgum predicted that Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets by 2026.

This visit marks the second by a senior official from the Trump administration to Venezuela. Previously, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright also visited, pushing for a "dramatic increase" in oil output and talking up "tremendous opportunities" for both sides. These visits reflect the significant shift in relations between Washington and Caracas since the capture of Maduro and the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader under US auspices.

Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Rodríguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment. She now aims to update the mining code. Mining activity is concentrated in the Orinoco Mining Arc region, where armed groups are active. The US regime is leveraging these political changes to secure access to critical resources, raising concerns about economic exploitation and geopolitical maneuvering in the region.

Source: www.theguardian.com