US ambassador arrives in Venezuela to reopen diplomatic mission after 7 years

U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela, restoring formal relations after a seven-year break that began in 2019 when ties were severed under former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The reopening comes amid a broader shift in relations following recent political changes, including the removal of Maduro from power and efforts by both governments to reengage. Dogu — posting on X that “my team and I are ready to work” — landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport as Venezuelan officials emphasized dialogue to address outstanding bilateral issues.

Diplomatic relations had been cut in February 2019 after Maduro expelled U.S. diplomats following Washington’s support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s claim to interim leadership. The embassy’s reopening marks a significant step in normalizing ties, with Venezuela’s interim authorities also advancing measures such as an amnesty bill for political prisoners.