According to a U.S. official, Ratcliffe conveyed Washington’s desire to improve bilateral relations and discussed key topics including intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and security, stressing that Venezuela must no longer serve as a “safe haven for America’s adversaries,” particularly drug traffickers.
The meeting coincided with a visit to the White House by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who presented President Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic activity surrounding Venezuela.
Rodríguez, who assumed the interim presidency following the U.S. operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro earlier in January, has pursued a diplomatic approach, emphasizing cooperation with Washington and announcing reforms in the oil sector to encourage foreign investment, signaling a shift from Maduro’s policies.
U.S. officials highlighted that Ratcliffe’s trip represents the first high-level visit of a cabinet-level official to Venezuela since the current political and military crisis began. The discussions are seen as a potential step toward constructing a new framework of strategic cooperation between Caracas and Washington, despite continuing political tensions and disagreements.
The visit comes in the context of U.S. operations that included the detention and extradition of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to the United States, where they face charges including drug trafficking. Officials view the meeting between Ratcliffe and Rodríguez as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, stabilize Venezuela’s internal situation, and address regional security challenges.
