Venezuela, UK agree to upgrade bilateral relations
Quick Look
- The Venezuelan government announced that it had agreed to upgrade bilateral relations after talks with British officials, emphasizing constructive dialogue, mutual respect and Venezuela's independent management of resources.
- The United Kingdom will appoint an ambassador to Venezuela.
- The two sides aim to promote national recovery and cooperation.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The United Kingdom once recognized the interim government of Venezuelan opposition Guaidó, which led to tensions in British-Venetian relations. The British Embassy in Venezuela has no official permanent ambassador in 2021. In January this year, the United States imposed sanctions on Venezuelan President Maduro and relaxed oil trade restrictions. International oil companies such as Shell signed cooperation agreements with Venezuela.
China News Service, Beijing, September 16th, Caracas News: The Venezuelan government announced on the 15th local time that after holding talks with British officials, the two countries had agreed to upgrade the level of bilateral relations.
The Venezuelan government said in a statement that this new phase of relations "will be marked by constructive dialogue based on mutual respect and aimed at realizing the autonomous management of Venezuelans' resources with a view to contributing to the country's recovery and comprehensive development."
The statement pointed out that Venezuela reaffirmed its full willingness to revive its historical friendship with the British people and government and to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interests based on the principles of national sovereignty, reciprocity and respect for international law.
According to Venezuela’s Southern Television, on the same day, Jorge Rodriguez, Chairman of the Venezuelan National Congress, met with Harriet Thompson, Director of American Affairs of the British Foreign Office, and informed him of the progress made by the country in oil and natural gas investment. It is expected that this momentum will promote “substantial growth of the Venezuelan economy in a short period of time.”
According to Reuters, the British government said that day that it would enhance diplomatic relations with Venezuela and appoint an ambassador to Venezuela.
Since the UK previously recognized the Venezuelan opposition Guaido's "interim government", relations between the UK and Venezuela have continued to be tense. In 2021, the British Embassy in Venezuela will no longer have a permanent ambassador, but will be chaired by the Charge d'Affaires ad interim. In January this year, the United States forcibly took control of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife, and relaxed sanctions related to Venezuelan oil trade. In this context, international oil companies such as British Shell signed cooperation agreements with Venezuela. (over)
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
UK to appoint ambassador to Venezuela soon
Likely · Within weeks
Venezuelan oil and gas investment will drive substantial economic growth in the near term
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- When will the UK appoint a specific person to serve as ambassador to Venezuela?
- What is the specific progress of Venezuela’s investment in the oil and gas sector?
- Will this improvement in relations affect the US sanctions policy on Venezuela?
