U.S. Welcomes First Meeting Between Venezuela’s Government and Opposition in Caracas

The United States has welcomed the first meeting between the Venezuelan government and the opposition, held Thursday in Caracas. The meeting brought together Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly and brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, and exiled former lawmaker Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela after six years in exile. The dialogue, promoted by Washington, aims to establish a roadmap for political negotiations toward a democratic transition.

In a statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the meeting seeks to address an “agenda that will serve as a roadmap for political dialogue oriented toward a democratic transition.” He added that the agenda includes key priorities such as rebuilding Venezuela’s democratic institutions, strengthening the National Electoral Council (CNE), establishing lasting guarantees for political participation, and safeguarding essential civil liberties for open political debate.

“This is the first step of what will be a thoughtful and deliberate process to achieve a free and open Venezuelan society,” Pigott said.

The meeting follows the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. military forces on January 3, after which the Trump administration outlined a three-phase plan for stabilization, recovery, and democratic transition in Venezuela.

Following the meeting at the National Assembly headquarters in Caracas, neither Rodríguez nor Figuera made public statements. A brief statement from the National Assembly later announced the creation of a joint technical and political committee to contribute to “strengthening democracy” and “consolidating peace.”