US Southern Command Chief General Francis Donovan visited Venezuela for the first time since the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro, engaging in talks with interim leaders on security and cooperative measures.
General Francis Donovan, the Chief of US Southern Command, made a significant visit to Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first encounter of its kind since the removal of President Nicolas Maduro last month. During this trip, he met with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, promoting discussions on mutual cooperation. The Venezuelan government released an official statement via their social media platform, 'X', detailing the agreement for a bilateral work program aimed at tackling issues such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and migration.
This visit comes at a pivotal time in Venezuelan politics and reflects a shift in US-Venezuela relations following Maduro's ousting. The US Embassy in Caracas shared imagery of General Donovan's meetings, including a preliminary gathering with US military personnel assigned to the embassy's security. They highlighted the productive nature of these discussions, emphasizing the shared security environment and the crucial steps required for implementing President Trump's three-phase plan to stabilize Venezuela. Furthermore, the talks spotlight the importance of mutual security in addressing the region's challenges.
Overall, General Donovan's visit signals not only a diplomatic initiative but also a step towards re-establishing a framework for cooperation on significant security issues in Venezuela. It indicates the US's ongoing interest in the country's political situation post-Maduro and the potential for further engagements within the newly established interim government. Such interactions could have wider implications for regional stability and US foreign policy.
