On Wednesday, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed she engaged in a "lengthy, productive, and courteous" telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussion focused on bilateral issues and unresolved matters between their respective governments.
Rodríguez shared on social media, "The conversation was held in a framework of mutual respect, where we addressed a work agenda for the benefit of our peoples." Her statement came after Trump disclosed the interaction during a press briefing in the Oval Office.
This dialogue, described by diplomatic sources as constructive, marks the first direct exchange between the two leaders since the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, which ushered in the current political transition phase in Venezuela.
The phone call reportedly lasted several minutes and included Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During his discussion with reporters, Trump refrained from naming Rodríguez directly but praised her as "a wonderful person" while highlighting progress with Caracas.
Trump stated, "We had an excellent conversation today. We've worked very well with her. Marco Rubio is in contact with her. We discussed many things, and I believe we are getting along well with Venezuela."
This diplomatic development unfolds amidst an unprecedented context for Venezuela, following the capture of Maduro and Cilia Flores by U.S. forces, and Rodríguez's emergence as a key figure within the Chavista framework.
Since then, Washington has spearheaded the reorganization of Venezuela's institutions under Rubio's direct supervision. Earlier in the day, Rodríguez addressed the press in Caracas, expressing her commitment to "understanding from divergence" and spotlighting the release of over 400 prisoners.
However, she did not mention the call with Trump in her press briefing, with details emerging later from presidential sources in Washington.
The conciliatory tone adopted by both leaders contrasts sharply with the years of conflict between the U.S. and the Chavista regime, potentially signaling a new era of controlled dialogue under the White House's mediation.
While no specific agreements were disclosed, this phone call represents a significant shift in the bilateral relationship after more than two decades of political hostility.
Understanding the Recent U.S.-Venezuela Diplomatic Exchange
What was the main focus of the conversation between Delcy Rodríguez and Donald Trump?
The phone conversation primarily addressed bilateral issues and unresolved matters between the U.S. and Venezuela, aiming for mutual benefits.
How did President Trump describe his interaction with Delcy Rodríguez?
President Trump described the interaction as excellent, expressing that they have been working well together and are making progress in their relationship with Venezuela.
What is the significance of this phone call in U.S.-Venezuela relations?
This phone call signifies a potential turning point in U.S.-Venezuela relations, marking a shift towards dialogue after decades of political hostility.