Venezuelan Delegation in US for Talks on Energy, Debt, and Mining, Sources Say

A Venezuelan delegation led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez is in the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly and hold discussions on energy, debt, and mining with American counterparties, two sources close to the preparations said. The talks are reportedly aimed at securing agreements to help rebuild the South American nation's key industries.

High-Stakes Diplomatic Agenda

Rodriguez arrived in New York on Monday, marking her first trip to the U.S. since taking office in January under Washington's oversight, according to the sources. Her agenda includes a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday.

A meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is also planned for Tuesday on the sidelines of a reception he is hosting, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, stated during a recent press briefing. The top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela, John Barrett, received the delegation upon their arrival, Venezuela's state television reported.

Focus on Rebuilding Key Sectors

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Months of negotiations have preceded the visit, leading to several preliminary agreements aimed at reviving Venezuela's economy. According to the sources, these recent developments include:

• A memorandum of understanding with U.S. oil producer Continental Resources for an area in Venezuela’s primary oil-producing region, the Orinoco Belt.
• A contract granting U.S. investment firm Heeney Capital operational and export rights for a gold mine.
• Ongoing negotiations with U.S. energy major ExxonMobil that could lead to its return to Venezuela's oilfields.

Separately, the Inter-American Development Bank is drafting a two-year engagement plan for Venezuela, its President Ilan Goldfajn told Reuters. The plan will focus on electricity and social protection, involving missions to assess the country's macroeconomic framework and investment needs.