WASHINGTON, CARACAS – The United States and Venezuela have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, marking a major shift after years of political tensions between the two countries.
The announcement was made by the United States Department of State and is intended to support political stability, economic recovery and reconciliation in Venezuela.
Diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas had been severed since 2019, when the United States closed its embassy in Caracas after rejecting the legitimacy of the election of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. At the time, the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.
The renewed relations follow dramatic political developments earlier this year. In January, U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during a military operation. Maduro was transported to the United States to face longstanding criminal charges, including accusations related to drug trafficking.
After the operation, Venezuela’s former vice president Delcy Rodríguez assumed power as interim president. The new authorities have signaled willingness to work with Washington as part of a broader transition toward democratic elections and political reconciliation.
Both governments say the renewed diplomatic engagement will focus on stabilizing Venezuela’s economy and encouraging dialogue between the country’s left-leaning government and the opposition.
Officials in Caracas described the move as the beginning of “a new stage” in relations with the United States based on mutual respect and cooperation.
The decision represents a significant turnaround in a relationship that for years was defined by sanctions, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical tensions.