Britain upgrades diplomatic relations with Venezuela

LONDON, Sept 15 (Reuters) - ‌Britain said ​on ​Tuesday it would upgrade its diplomatic relations with Venezuela, appointing an ambassador ‌to the country, in a move which ⁠it said would strengthen its ability to play a ‌role in supporting a ‌transition to democracy.

"This decision is part of a broader international reengagement," the government said ​in a written statement to parliament.

Britain said the move did not signal endorsement of ⁠Venezuela's disputed 2024 election or of any political faction, but ​reflected its longstanding policy of maintaining relations with the Venezuelan state.

Acting President Delcy ​Rodriguez's government holds power ‌after the U.S. removed Nicolas Maduro in January.

Venezuela welcomed the decision. Oliver ⁠Blanco, Venezuela's deputy foreign minister for Europe and North America, said in a post on X ⁠that Caracas valued Britain's move to raise the level ​of diplomatic relations.

"We reaffirm our willingness to deepen a respectful and constructive dialogue, as well as to promote ‌cooperation in areas of common interest for our countries and to advance ‌the recovery of resources that rightfully belong ⁠to the Venezuelan ‌people," Blanco said.

(Reporting ​by Sam Tabahriti; Writing by Sarah Young; Editing by William James and Anthony ‌Esposito)

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