Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro has reached out to the United States government, proposing "serious" discussions aimed at establishing a bilateral agreement to combat drug trafficking and to encourage American investment in Venezuela's oil industry.
On December 31, Maduro gave an interview to journalist Ignacio Ramonet amidst a backdrop of escalating military actions by Washington against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific waters.
The Venezuelan leader declared his administration's readiness to engage with the White House on anti-drug efforts as well as energy sector opportunities, asserting that his country possesses "a perfect model for combating drug trafficking."
Maduro also placed the blame for regional cocaine production entirely on Colombia, stating, "All the cocaine that moves in this region is produced in Colombia. All of it. We are victims of Colombian drug trafficking."
He refuted Washington's accusations that Venezuela is a key player in drug trafficking, likening these claims to the pre-Iraq war allegations about weapons of mass destruction. "Since they can't accuse us of having weapons of mass destruction... they invented an accusation that the United States knows is as false as that one," Maduro argued.
Building on this narrative, Maduro extended a direct offer: "If they want to seriously discuss an anti-drug agreement, we're ready. If they want Venezuelan oil, Venezuela is prepared for American investments like with Chevron, whenever, wherever, and however they want."
During the interview, he confirmed having had only one direct conversation with Trump, dispelling rumors of a second encounter. He recounted that the U.S. president called him on Friday, November 21, from the White House while he was at the Palacio de Miraflores. According to Maduro, the conversation lasted 10 minutes and was "respectful and cordial," though he admitted that post-conversation developments have been "unpleasant."
These statements come amidst heightened tensions. On the same day, December 31, U.S. armed forces announced attacks on five suspected drug-running boats, bringing the total known operations against smuggling vessels to 35 and the death toll to at least 115, according to official figures from the White House.
Trump has defended these operations as part of a military confrontation with drug cartels, describing it as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into U.S. territory. The attacks began off Venezuela's Caribbean coast and later expanded into the eastern Pacific, increasing military pressure on maritime routes linked to illegal trafficking.
While the dictator attempts to appear as a partner open to dialogue, the United States maintains its offensive against regional drug trafficking networks, continuing to identify Venezuela as a critical link in the drug transit chain.
Maduro's proposal, made amidst military operations, maritime deaths, and ongoing sanctions, highlights his strategy to reposition himself with Washington without taking concrete responsibility for his regime's role in the regional drug trafficking crisis.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Offer for Talks with the U.S.
What did Maduro propose to the United States?
Maduro proposed opening "serious" discussions with the U.S. to establish a bilateral anti-drug trafficking agreement and to attract American investments in Venezuela's oil industry.
How did Maduro describe Venezuela's anti-drug efforts?
Maduro claimed that Venezuela has "a perfect model for combating drug trafficking" and denied U.S. accusations of Venezuela being a key player in the drug trade.
What was the context of Maduro's statements?
Maduro made his statements amidst escalating U.S. military actions against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters and ongoing sanctions against Venezuela.