US Energy Secretary Visits Venezuela to Discuss Oil Production

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright Visits Venezuela Amid Tensions

A high-ranking US official has visited Venezuela, marking a rare instance of a senior American government representative engaging with the South American country. United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with interim President Delcy Rodriguez during his visit.

Wright’s meeting with Rodriguez took place on Wednesday and was broadcast on Venezuelan state television. During the event, Wright acknowledged the historical tensions between the two countries but expressed optimism about the potential for change under the Trump administration.

The US president has repeatedly outlined his vision for a new era of cooperation with Venezuela, which he believes will be part of a broader agenda to promote American interests in the Americas. This approach is rooted in the concept of “manifest destiny,” a 19th-century doctrine that champions US expansionism.

In January, President Trump authorized a military operation to abduct Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and transport him to New York, where he faces trial on drug-trafficking charges. The US has also recognized the interim leadership of Maduro’s former vice president, Rodriguez, although Trump has threatened further action if she fails to comply with his demands.

Trump has made claims that Venezuela’s oil industry belongs to the US, citing early oil exploration by companies such as Exxon Mobil. He argues that the country’s efforts to nationalize its oil industry constitute a “largest theft of property in the history” of the US.

The Trump administration has also announced that nearly 50 million barrels of oil have been transferred from Venezuela to the US, which will be sold at market price for the benefit of both countries.

Source: Al Jazeera