CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has said his government is ready to hold talks with the United States, despite heightened tensions following recent claims of American military action linked to drug trafficking.
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In an interview broadcast on state television, Mr Maduro said Venezuela was open to dialogue with Washington “wherever they want and whenever they want,” particularly on issues such as drug control, oil cooperation and migration. His remarks came amid weeks of increased pressure and rhetoric from the US administration.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said Thursday that his government is open to negotiating an agreement with the United States after months of American military pressure targeting drug trafficking networks tied to his government
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The Venezuelan leader avoided directly confirming or denying claims made by US President Donald Trump about an alleged attack on a docking facility in Venezuela. Trump had said the United States destroyed a dock used by what he described as Venezuelan drug boats.
When asked specifically about the alleged strike, Mr Maduro said the matter could be discussed at a later stage. If confirmed, the incident would mark the first publicly acknowledged land strike as part of Washington’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking in Latin America.
Earlier this week, President Trump told reporters in Florida that a “major explosion” had destroyed a docking area used to load boats with drugs. He did not specify whether the operation was carried out by the US military or intelligence agencies, nor did he disclose the precise location of the site.
US officials have also confirmed multiple operations against boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific since September. Washington maintains that these vessels were linked to international drug smuggling networks.
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However, the operations have drawn criticism from international law experts and human rights organisations. Critics argue that the strikes raise serious legal concerns and may constitute extrajudicial killings, an accusation the US government has rejected.
Despite the tensions, Mr Maduro’s comments suggest a willingness to reduce hostilities through dialogue. Analysts say renewed talks could ease pressure on Venezuela, which remains under heavy US sanctions, while also opening channels for cooperation on regional security and migration challenges.
The US administration has not yet publicly responded to Mr Maduro’s offer of talks, leaving the prospect of renewed engagement uncertain.