U.S. and Venezuela Discuss Transition and Economic Recovery
Washington met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco to discuss its three-phase plan for Venezuela.
Key points
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco.
- Rubio reaffirmed the three-phase plan: stabilization, economic recovery, and political reconciliation with a democratic transition.
- Rubio called for the continued release of political prisoners still held in Venezuela.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also met with Blanco and congratulated him on his appointment.
The U.S. Department of State reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco. According to the readout, the two discussed progress in Venezuelan-led reconciliation talks, including institutional reforms to prepare free, fair, and credible elections.
Rubio reiterated the President's three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery, and political reconciliation leading to a democratic transition. He also urged the continued release of political prisoners still detained in the country.
The Department of the Treasury said Secretary Scott Bessent also met with Blanco, whom he congratulated on his appointment. During the meeting, Bessent stressed the administration's commitment to supporting Venezuela's economic recovery, with an emphasis on boosting energy production and reconnecting the country's financial sector.
According to Treasury, the goal is to restore confidence, attract investment, and lay the groundwork for a more prosperous Venezuela.
Why it matters
If the transition moves forward, it could affect the Venezuelan diaspora and Dominicans with business or family ties in the region. The texts give no specific effects for the Dominican Republic.