US, Venezuela restore ties as Washington pushes for minerals accessVenezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez met with US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in Caracas. (Photo: AFP)MAIQUETíA (VENEZUELA) - Venezuela and the United States are restoring diplomatic ties, the two countries announced Thursday, in a new sign of thawing relations after Washington ousted former president Nicolas Maduro. The announcement came as US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wrapped up a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump's push for greater access to the country's mineral wealth. Besides oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite, coltan and other rare materials used to make computers and mobile phones. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Rodriguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment.

Source: Bangkok Post March 06, 2026 07:57 UTC