The US diplomatic mission in the capital of Venezuela has officially started working, Bloomberg reports, citing a note from the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Donald Trump's administration is implementing a strategy to revitalize the country's economy and carry out its democratic transformation.
The Department of State indicated that the restart of the diplomatic mission is intended to strengthen American opportunities for “direct contacts with the interim government of Venezuela, civil society and the private sector,” says the official document.
However, the Ministry of Diplomacy did not specify from what moment the embassy will offer a full range of services to citizens. This is an issue that remains open despite the official resumption of the representative office's operations.
An experienced diplomat heads the US Embassy
Laura Dogu, who serves as charge d'affaires, came to the capital of Venezuela in January. The diplomat previously represented Washington as ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua, which gives her experience in the Central and South American region.
Last week, Dogu held talks with American entrepreneurs and investors. — The American private sector will play a key role in building a stable and prosperous Venezuela, she emphasized during the meeting.
The diplomatic crisis has been ongoing since 2019.
In January 2019, the United States recognized oppositionist Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela. In response to this decision, Caracas severed diplomatic relations with Washington. The US then withdrew its diplomats and suspended the operation of the embassy.
Since March 2019, diplomatic contacts between the countries have been carried out through a special team for Venezuelan affairs. This unit operated at the US Embassy in Bogota, the capital of neighboring Colombia.
Normalization after the change of government in Caracas
Delcy Rodriguez, who is acting president, took over power in the country. Washington has since eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, while the interim government in Caracas has liberalized foreign companies' access to rich oil reserves. The US plan for Venezuela assumes stabilization, economic recovery and political transformation in this country.
