Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez called for a "balanced and respectful" relationship with the United States on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following heightened tensions after U.S. forces reportedly seized former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The appeal marks a pivotal moment in cross-hemisphere diplomacy as Caracas seeks to recalibrate its engagement with Washington.
In a Telegram post addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump, Rodriguez emphasized Venezuela's right to "peace, development, sovereignty, and a future," while urging cooperation. "We extend an invitation to the U.S. government to work together on an agenda for shared development," she wrote, framing the proposal as a regional necessity. The message aligns with Maduro's longstanding advocacy for dialogue over confrontation, according to Rodriguez.
The remarks come amid escalating scrutiny over U.S. actions in Latin America, with analysts noting potential implications for regional stability and energy markets. Venezuela, home to the world's largest proven oil reserves, remains a strategic focal point for global investors monitoring geopolitical risks in 2026.
