U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Holds Surprise Talks in Caracas with Venezuela's Acting President
CARACAS, March 4 (Reuters) – U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum held a closed-door meeting with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday afternoon at the Miraflores Presidential Palace, marking a rare high-level diplomatic encounter between the two nations amid prolonged tensions.
The meeting, briefly captured by local media upon Burgum's arrival, included U.S. chargé d'affaires in Venezuela, Laura Dogu. The visit comes as the interim government in Caracas considers overhauling regulations for the mineral sector—a key industry where several foreign firms, including U.S. companies, hold interests.
Earlier in the day, Burgum was reported to have met with executives from international mining firms operating in Venezuela, according to two sources familiar with the talks. The discussions are seen as part of broader efforts to explore economic openings, even as Washington maintains sanctions on Venezuela's oil and gold sectors.
Analysts suggest the engagement, though not announced in advance, may reflect cautious diplomatic probing from both sides. The U.S. has historically recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president, but recent months have seen limited tactical dialogues on energy and migration.
“This isn’t about normalization—it’s about pragmatic channels,” said Carlos Mendez, a Latin America policy researcher at the Atlantic Council. “The mining sector is a pressure point. Both sides are testing whether there’s room for limited cooperation without political recognition.”
Reactions from readers:
Maria Fernandez, political science professor in Lima: “A measured step. If it leads to clearer rules for foreign investors and reduces illegal mining, it could benefit regional stability.”
James O’Connell, former diplomat in Washington: “Sending a Cabinet member to talk to Rodriguez is a signal. The administration might be quietly adjusting its Venezuela playbook amid global energy realignments.”
Ricardo Silva, activist from Maracaibo: “This is outrageous. Meeting with Maduro’s inner circle whitewashes repression. The U.S. is trading principles for minerals while Venezuelans suffer.”
Linda Park, commodities analyst in New York: “Investors will watch closely. Venezuela has huge mineral reserves, but legal uncertainty has kept major players away. Any regulatory clarity could shift calculations.”