The US Department of State issued a statement on 5/3, saying that re-establishing diplomatic and consular relations with Venezuela "will facilitate our shared efforts to promote stability and support economic recovery in Venezuela".

Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that relations with the US would "advance to a new phase of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, sovereign equality between the two nations, and cooperation between their peoples". Venezuela expressed its belief that the renewed relationship with the US would be "positive and mutually beneficial".

US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (left) and interim president of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas on 4/3. Photo: AFP

The announcement came hours after US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who oversees national energy affairs, concluded a two-day visit to Venezuela. Burgum stated he received assurances from Caracas regarding permission for foreign mining companies interested in investing in Venezuela.

The US Interior Secretary added that dozens of companies had expressed interest in investing in Venezuela. He also described his meeting with interim president of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez as "extremely positive".

Burgum is the second senior US official to visit Venezuela since Washington launched a raid earlier this year, arresting president Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This incident caused bilateral tensions, and Rodriguez subsequently became interim president of Venezuela.

Following the operation, the US took control of Venezuela's oil exports. Proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan oil are directed to a US-supervised fund in Qatar.

Ngoc Anh (According to AP, Guardian, Reuters)