Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has appointed Félix Plasencia as its new diplomatic representative to the United States, according to a statement released Monday by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil.
Diplomatic Shift Amidst Bilateral Talks
The appointment follows a meeting between Delcy Rodríguez, a leading figure in the Venezuelan government, and Laura Dogu, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for Venezuela, held at the Miraflores Palace. Gil stated the meeting initiated a bilateral agenda to address longstanding differences and controversies between the two nations. Discussions included matters related to a “peace agenda,” as well as energy, political, and economic issues.
Plasencia, described as a close associate of Delcy Rodríguez, is not new to Washington. He visited the U.S. capital in January, coinciding with a visit by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. At that time, the Venezuelan government sought to strengthen communication with the Trump administration and establish a presence alongside the opposition.
Recent U.S.-Venezuela Developments
This move comes amid a thaw in relations between Caracas and Washington. Recent weeks have seen a phone call between President Donald Trump and Delcy Rodríguez. Following this, the U.S. administration announced the unfreezing of Venezuelan assets and the resumption of flights between the two countries.
Simultaneously, the Venezuelan government has been pursuing initiatives within its energy sector, including the drafting of a new hydrocarbons law that would allow for the participation of private actors in the oil industry.
Who is Félix Plasencia?
Born in Maracay in 1972, Plasencia is a career diplomat with a background in International Relations from the Central University of Venezuela and further education at European universities. He has previously served as a vice minister and as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2021 and 2022. Prior to his appointment as ambassador to the United States, he served as ambassador to China and the United Kingdom, most recently holding the post in London as of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between Delcy Rodríguez and Laura Dogu?
The meeting at Miraflores Palace was intended to initiate a bilateral agenda to address historical differences and controversies between Venezuela and the United States, and to discuss topics including peace, energy, political, and economic matters.
Has Félix Plasencia been to the United States before?
Yes, Félix Plasencia traveled to Washington D.C. in mid-January to hold discussions related to the bilateral relationship.
What other steps have been taken to improve U.S.-Venezuela relations recently?
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Delcy Rodríguez. The U.S. administration also announced the unfreezing of Venezuelan assets and the resumption of flights between the two countries.
As Plasencia prepares to take up his post, it remains to be seen how these initial steps will translate into more substantive engagement between the two countries, and what challenges may arise as they attempt to navigate their complex relationship.
