Laura Dogu, the United States' top diplomat for Venezuela, arrived in Caracas on Saturday as both nations cautiously move to rebuild diplomatic ties that were broken in 2019 by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan foreign affairs minister Yv an Gil posted on Telegram that Dogu's visit is focused on "establish[ing] a roadmap on matters of bilateral interest" and on attempting to "resolve existing differences through diplomatic dialogue and through a base of mutual understanding and international law."
Dogu, who has prior ambassadorial experience in Honduras and Nicaragua, confirmed her arrival on X, writing that she and her team were on the ground and "ready to work." The visit marks a notable step in what both sides have described as a gradual resumption of relations.
The timing follows a series of developments between Caracas and Washington. The United States detained Nicolas Maduro on January 3 and brought him to New York to face arraignment on narcoterrorism charges. Since then, Delcy Rodriguez, acting as Venezuela's interim president, has publicly stated her intention to pursue "balanced and respectful international relations" with the United States.
On the economic front, the two governments have agreed on a deal that could see up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude exported to the United States. Separately, Rodriguez on Friday proposed an "amnesty law" that would apply to hundreds of prisoners in Venezuela, and announced plans to convert the Helicoide detention center in Caracas into a facility for sports and social services.
Venezuelan officials framed the envoy's visit as aimed at producing a mutual plan for engagement and resolving outstanding disputes through diplomacy and established legal frameworks. Dogu's presence in Caracas and the public statements from both sides underscore an opening for direct talks on political, legal, and commercial issues that have been strained since ties were severed in 2019.
Context noted in official statements:
- Venezuelan foreign affairs minister Yv an Gil described the mission's goal as setting a bilateral roadmap and addressing differences by diplomatic means and international law.
- Laura Dogu announced on X that she and her team had arrived and were prepared to engage.
- Recent developments include the U.S. detention and arraignment of President Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, a proposed amnesty law for hundreds of prisoners, and a $2 billion crude export arrangement.