CARACAS – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has said he is willing to hold talks with the United States on cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and on oil-related issues. Maduro made the remarks on Thursday during a televised interview.
The Venezuelan leader declined to confirm reports that the United States had attacked a Venezuelan port facility earlier this week, an allegation announced on Monday by U.S. President Donald Trump. “That is a subject we can talk about in the coming days,” Maduro said, without providing further details.
In recent months, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the region. According to U.S. statements, American forces have carried out more than twenty lethal operations against vessels suspected of transporting drugs.
Oil exports nearly halted
Tensions have further escalated following the U.S. announcement of a blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers operating in Venezuelan waters. As a result, Venezuela’s oil exports have been almost completely brought to a standstill, dealing another blow to the country’s already fragile economy.
Maduro has previously accused the United States of seeking to overthrow his government in order to gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Washington, for its part, has said its actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking, enforcing sanctions, and increasing pressure on the Maduro administration.
The latest comments suggest that, despite the sharp rhetoric and ongoing military and economic pressure, Caracas may be leaving the door open for dialogue with Washington in the near future.