In a move marking a dramatic shift in diplomatic relations in Latin America, the new head of the US mission, Laura Dujo, arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Saturday. This arrival culminates efforts to gradually restore bilateral relations between Washington and Caracas, less than a month after the dramatic political changes in the country, which saw Washington oust and arrest former President Nicolás Maduro, a diplomatic source confirmed to AFP.
Sources reported that the plane carrying the US chargé d'affaires, Laura Dogu, landed at an airport near Caracas at 3:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT), thus inaugurating a new phase of direct US diplomatic presence on Venezuelan soil after years of estrangement and tension.
Historical background and strained relations
To understand the significance of this move, one must consider the historical context of relations between the two countries. US-Venezuelan relations deteriorated sharply over the past decade, culminating in 2019 when Caracas severed diplomatic ties with Washington, leading to the closure of the US embassy and the withdrawal of diplomats. The United States has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" by imposing harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, the lifeblood of the local economy, with the aim of pressuring the Maduro regime.
Dogu's arrival today is a clear indication of the US administration's desire to rearrange the cards in the region and ensure direct communication channels with the new leadership in Venezuela, especially given Venezuela's strategic importance as one of the world's largest oil-producing countries.
Regional challenges and the Cuba issue
Despite signs of thaw in direct bilateral relations, several thorny issues continue to cast a shadow over the regional landscape. On Friday, Venezuela condemned what it called "punitive" US measures against its traditional ally, Cuba. This came after Washington threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil shipments to Havana.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry considered the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday to be "punitive measures against countries that decide to maintain legitimate trade relations with the Republic of Cuba." This stance indicates that restoring relations with Washington does not necessarily mean Caracas abandoning its historical regional alliances, thus presenting the new US diplomacy with the challenge of balancing normalization with Venezuela with continued pressure on Cuba.
Future prospects
Observers believe that the return of US diplomatic representation to Caracas will pave the way for discussions on vital issues, most notably easing economic sanctions, energy cooperation, and ensuring political stability in the post-Maduro era. This presence will also enhance Washington's ability to closely monitor developments and contribute to shaping the new political landscape in Venezuela in a way that serves shared interests and regional stability.
