Venezuela looks to rebuild diplomatic ties with US

January 9, 2026 12:32 PM EST

A demonstrator holds a Venezuelan flag during a march outside the National Assembly, in Caracas, Venezuela January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Maxwell Briceno

Jan 9 (Reuters) - Venezuela's ⁠government has ⁠begun ‍exploring the potential to expand diplomatic ties with the United States, ‍with U.S. State Department officials traveling to ​Caracas for technical and logistical assessments, it said ​in a statement on Friday.

The State Department separately said the U.S. officials were assessing a "potential phased resumption" ​of embassy operations in the South American country.

Washington and Caracas have signaled they ​are seeking cooperation since last week's dramatic U.S. military operation ‌that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. His vice president ​Delcy Rodriguez took over as ⁠interim leader.

"The government of Venezuela has decided to initiate an exploratory ‌diplomatic process with the U.S. government, with a view to reestablishing the diplomatic missions in ‌both countries," the Venezuelan government said in a ‌statement.

A Venezuelan delegation will also be sent to the U.S. to carry out assessments, it said.

Earlier on ‍Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the release of political prisoners ⁠in Venezuela was a sign of "seeking peace" and that he had canceled a planned second wave of attacks.

(Reporting by Reuters staff, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)



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