US, Venezuela Restore Diplomatic Relations

The United States and Venezuela’s interim government have agreed to restore diplomatic and consular relations, the US State Department said Thursday, signaling a major shift after years of strained ties.

In a statement, the department noted that the renewed engagement aims to create conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government in Venezuela.

Relations between Washington and Caracas deteriorated sharply during the first administration of US President Donald Trump, when the US stopped recognizing the government of Nicolas Maduro as legitimate. The US withdrew its diplomats and suspended operations at its embassy in Caracas in 2019.

Tensions escalated further after Maduro was captured in January 2026 and taken to the US to face criminal charges.

Separately, Venezuelan authorities have pledged to ensure security for foreign mining companies operating in the country.

US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that he received assurances from Venezuelan officials that the government would guarantee protection for international firms seeking to invest in the mining sector.

Speaking after a two-day visit to Venezuela, Burgum said dozens of companies have expressed interest in investing in the resource-rich country, which holds vast reserves of oil as well as minerals such as gold, diamonds, bauxite and coltan, key materials used in electronics manufacturing.

Foreign investment in Venezuela’s mining sector has remained limited for years following nationalization policies introduced under former president Hugo Chavez.

Much of the mining activity is concentrated in the Orinoco Mining Arc, a vast territory where armed groups remain active, posing ongoing security challenges for international investors.