The head of the US mission arrives in Venezuela to resume relations
In a pivotal diplomatic move signaling a radical shift in Latin American foreign policy, the new head of the US mission, Laura Dugu, arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Saturday. A diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that the US chargé d'affaires' plane landed at an airport near Caracas at 3:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT), marking the beginning of a gradual resumption of relations between the two countries.
Context of the historical transformation in relations
This rapid development comes less than a month after the dramatic events in Venezuela, namely the US-backed ouster and arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, which has paved the way for a reshaping of the country's political landscape. The return of US diplomatic representation is of paramount importance, as relations between Washington and Caracas had been severed and increasingly strained since 2019, when the United States closed its embassy, withdrew its diplomats, and imposed a series of harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector.
Strategic and economic importance
The importance of this step extends beyond the diplomatic sphere to encompass crucial economic and geopolitical dimensions. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, and restoring stability and resuming Venezuelan oil exports to global markets—particularly the United States—is a strategic objective for ensuring energy security. Furthermore, a direct US diplomatic presence is seen as a decisive factor in addressing the issue of illegal immigration, a major concern for the US administration, as well as in curbing the international influence of other powers in the region.
Sensitive issues: The Cuban crisis
Despite the atmosphere of openness, several thorny issues continue to cloud the regional landscape. Prior to the delegation's arrival, Venezuela condemned what it described as "punitive" US measures against its historical ally, Cuba. This condemnation came in response to Washington's threat to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil shipments to Havana.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry considered the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday an escalation against countries that maintain legitimate trade relations with Cuba. Observers note that the new US administration in Caracas will face significant challenges in balancing the restoration of bilateral relations with Venezuela while maintaining its hardline stance toward the Cuban regime, making Ms. Dugu's diplomatic mission a delicate one.
