Amanze Chinonye
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright arrived in Caracas on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a three-day visit aimed at deepening energy cooperation between the United States and Venezuela.
The trip marks the highest-level U.S. engagement in the country in decades and comes as Washington seeks to reinvigorate Venezuela’s oil sector after years of diplomatic estrangement.
Wright met acting President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez at the Miraflores Presidential Palace, where both leaders discussed plans to expand oil, gas, and electricity production and attract foreign investment.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFollowing the meeting, Wright briefed the press, quoting President Donald Trump as being “passionately committed… to transforming Venezuela” and bringing “commerce, peace, prosperity, jobs, and opportunity to the people of Venezuela.” He did not take questions from journalists.
The visit follows the recent enactment of a Venezuelan law opening the oil sector to private and foreign investment, reversing decades of near-total state control under the self-proclaimed socialist government. U.S. officials have eased certain energy-related sanctions to allow foreign firms, particularly U.S. companies, to operate in Venezuela and assist in rebuilding the nation’s most important industry.
READ ALSO : Delcy Rodríguez Sworn In as Venezuela’s Interim President After Maduro’s Capture
During his stay, Wright is scheduled to meet with government officials, energy executives, and industry leaders, as well as tour major oil facilities to assess infrastructure and production potential firsthand. The U.S. government has framed the engagement as a step toward increasing Venezuela’s energy output, modernizing its electric grid, and fostering economic recovery.
Analysts say the visit signals a major policy shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations, with Washington prioritizing energy diplomacy and private sector investment, while navigating political and economic uncertainties that could affect implementation.
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.
