Amanze Chinonye
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Thursday said his government is open to cooperation with the United States on drug trafficking, oil, and other issues, even as tensions escalate following U.S. military operations near Venezuelan territory, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a pre-recorded interview aired on state television and conducted by Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, Maduro repeatedly extended an invitation for dialogue with Washington, stating that Venezuela is ready to talk “wherever they want and whenever they want” about collaboration on narcotics interdiction and broader bilateral issues.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We are ready to discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, with data in hand,” Maduro said. While framing the overture as a step toward negotiation, he continued to accuse the United States of seeking regime change and access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. Maduro highlighted ongoing cooperation with U.S. firm Chevron as a model for potential future oil agreements.
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The Venezuelan president declined to comment on a reported U.S. strike on a docking facility, a significant escalation in Washington’s anti-narcotics campaign. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed last week that U.S. forces destroyed a dock allegedly used to load cocaine shipments, marking the first known land strike linked to operations against drug trafficking from Latin America. Maduro said the matter could be addressed “in a few days,” stopping short of confirming or denying the report.
The interview comes amid months of U.S. military pressure, including repeated strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific believed to be transporting cocaine. Maduro asserted that Venezuela is a victim of drug trafficking, not a source, noting that all cocaine in the region is produced in Colombia. He described the U.S. operations as hostile, accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize his government and seize Venezuela’s oil, charges U.S. officials deny.
When asked how he is coping with more than five months of U.S. military pressure, Maduro invoked faith, saying: “I have a bunker that cannot be penetrated, which is God Almighty. I gave Venezuela to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the king of kings, the king here of our homeland.”
Maduro’s willingness to entertain dialogue with the U.S. signals a potential opening for negotiation, even as deep mistrust persists between the two countries. Observers note that the success of any future talks will hinge on how both sides balance security concerns, drug interdiction goals, and Venezuela’s economic interests.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
