CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on Monday stated he agreed an agenda for future talks with a U.S. delegation that he met on Saturday, the primary high-level assembly between the 2 nations in years.
Officials from the 2 nations mentioned easing oil sanctions on the South American nation however made little progress in direction of reaching a deal, 5 sources acquainted with the matter instructed Reuters on Sunday, a part of U.S. efforts to separate Russia from certainly one of its key allies.
“Last Saturday evening a delegation from the federal government of the United States of America arrived in Venezuela, I obtained it right here on the presidential palace,” Maduro stated in a broadcast on state media.
“We had a gathering, I might describe it as respectful, cordial, very diplomatic,” he stated.
The assembly lasted two hours, he stated, with out specifying the subjects mentioned or who the U.S. delegates had been.
Sources beforehand instructed Reuters the U.S. delegation was led by Juan Gonzalez, the White House’s high adviser on Latin America, U.S. Ambassador James Story, in addition to Roger Carstens, the United States’ presidential particular envoy for hostage affairs.
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated the aim of the journey was to debate various points, together with “power safety” and the circumstances of 9 U.S. residents who’re in jail in Venezuela.
The talks will proceed, Maduro stated, with out providing a date.
“As I stated to the (U.S.) delegation, I reiterate all our will in order that from diplomacy, from respect and from the hope of a greater world, we will advance in an agenda that enables well-being and peace,” Maduro stated.
(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas; writing by Oliver Griffin; modifying by Richard Pullin)
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