Post by : Saif Rahman

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in Washington next week. This will mark their inaugural face-to-face discussion.

Trump made the announcement during a television interview, addressing the political climate in Venezuela. He mentioned that Machado's visit to Washington is imminent and expressed eagerness for their meeting.

The White House has not disclosed specifics regarding the timing or topics to be discussed during the meeting.

Maria Corina Machado is a leading voice in Venezuela's opposition, recognized internationally for her commitment to democratic reforms. She was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient in October but noted that since her award, she hasn't communicated with Trump.

Venezuela is experiencing significant uncertainty concerning its leadership, currently under interim president Delcy Rodríguez. Trump asserted that elections are not feasible at this time, emphasizing the necessity of rebuilding the country first.

According to Trump, the longstanding weakening of Venezuelan institutions complicates the organization of fair and accountable elections.

As one of the world's crucial oil producers and an OPEC member, Venezuela's oil industry has suffered due to years of mismanagement and lack of investment. The Trump administration has prioritized this sector in its policies.

Officials have indicated that oil transactions between Venezuela and the U.S. will commence promptly, with anticipated initial shipments ranging from 30 to 50 million barrels, continuing steadily thereafter.

Trump also plans to hold discussions with oil executives at the White House, expecting that U.S. energy companies will play a pivotal role in revitalizing Venezuela's oil infrastructure, with estimated investments potentially reaching up to $100 billion.

The imminent meeting between Trump and Machado arrives at a crucial juncture for Venezuela. While many supporters view Machado as a symbol of political change, Trump has previously voiced skepticism regarding her domestic backing for governance.

Analysts suggest this meeting could significantly impact future negotiations about Venezuela’s political evolution, economic revival, and its relationship with the United States. Nevertheless, numerous challenges lie ahead as the nation strives for stability and lasting reform.

#Global News