U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright delivered remarks in Caracas alongside Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez following meetings at the Miraflores Palace. The discussions focused on strengthening ties between the United States and Venezuela, with an emphasis on economic collaboration and energy sector growth.
During his speech, Secretary Wright conveyed a message from President Trump regarding U.S.-Venezuela relations: “He is passionately committed to absolutely transforming the relationship between the United States and Venezuela. This is part of a broader agenda to make the Americas great again, to bring our countries closer together, and to bring commerce, peace, prosperity, jobs, and opportunity to the people of Venezuela in partnership with the United States. These are not just words or ambitions. We have very specific plans and very specific actions already.”
Wright highlighted that current efforts by the U.S. government include issuing licenses for businesses operating in or entering Venezuela. He stated that these steps aim to support Venezuelan companies in buying products, investing capital, increasing oil production, creating jobs, and boosting export revenue.
The meeting included open discussions about opportunities as well as challenges facing both nations. Wright said: “We had very wonderful and candid dialogues today. We both spoke very candidly about the tremendous opportunities in front of us, and some of the problems and challenges, and we committed to work together to solve those problems and challenges. And I believe that we can solve those problems and challenges and move on to the tremendous opportunities in front of us.”
He also noted Venezuela’s significant natural resources but emphasized human potential: “So there’s much talk…of the enormous natural resources in Venezuela. Oil, natural gas, mining, minerals…But more important than those natural resources is the incredible humans…their pride, their education, their passion to drive forward.”
Wright expressed optimism for joint progress this year: “We believe…that working together…this year we can drive a dramatic increase in Venezuelan oil production…natural gas production…electricity production…and most importantly of all…increase job opportunities…wages…and quality of life for all of the Venezuelans across the country.” He added that such developments would benefit both countries as well as others throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Recent initiatives by the U.S. Department of Energy reflect ongoing efforts related to energy efficiency domestically and internationally. For example, a $225 million program was announced under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at implementing new building energy codes (https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-225-million-program-lower-utility-bills-through-more). Additionally, there has been encouragement for international cooperation on clean energy transitions through events like the Global Clean Energy Action Forum (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sebmi2QGbV4).
The Department has also supported technology development for environmental management projects (https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/technology-development-aiding-em-mission-senior-advisor-white-tells-congress) and applied innovative processes at sites such as Savannah River Site (https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/srs-tackles-groundwater-issue-using-innovative-passive-energy-process). Efforts continue toward decarbonizing transportation with funding for clean vehicle technologies (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-96-million-advancing-clean-vehicle-technologies-reduce-carbon-emissions), while 146 programs now support equitable investment through President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-more-140-programs-supporting-president-bidens-justice40-initiative).
Secretary Wright concluded his remarks by stating: “Viva Venezuela, y viva los Estados Unidos!”
