US Energy Secretary Visits Caracas to Cement Energy Agreement
This visit represents the most senior U.S. engagement with Venezuelan authorities in almost three decades and follows Washington’s recent move to issue a general license permitting American firms to restart oil and gas operations in the OPEC member state.
At the presidential palace, Wright was welcomed by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who stepped into the role after President Nicolas Maduro was removed on Jan. 3. Observers see their meeting as a shift from years of punitive measures toward what both administrations are describing as the start of a long-term and constructive energy partnership.
Rodriguez highlighted the importance of this new direction, saying that energy will act as the “driving force” behind a revitalized bilateral relationship and pointed out that, despite past “geopolitical ups and downs,” both nations have a shared 150-year legacy as collaborators in the energy sector.
She told reporters, “Diplomatic, political and energy dialogue must be the channels through which we maturely address our differences and move forward,” with both U.S. and Venezuelan flags displayed during her remarks.
According to her account, discussions during the visit targeted specific, immediate initiatives across oil, gas, mining, and electricity sectors. Teams from both countries are said to be working intensively to finalize plans that would upgrade Venezuela’s electric infrastructure and raise crude production, which remains far below historical levels.
Representing the U.S. government and President Donald Trump’s administration, Wright framed the trip as part of an initiative to achieve “peace and prosperity” through commercial ties instead of confrontation. He acknowledged the hardships that long-standing U.S. sanctions have imposed on Venezuelans but underscored that the White House is now engaged “seven days a week” in efforts to lift economic limits that have hindered the nation’s growth.
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