Venezuela and the Dominican Republic have agreed a roadmap for the "gradual normalisation" of diplomatic relations after ties were cut over Santo Domingo's refusal to recognise Nicolás Maduro's 2024 re-election. The pact—described by Caracas as the result of sustained dialogue—includes restoring flights and consular services. The move comes amid broader regional realignment, Venezuelan signals of renewed international engagement and Caracas' recent announcement of plans to withdraw from the ICC.
Venezuela and Dominican Republic Agree Roadmap to Gradually Restore Diplomatic Ties
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim president, speaks to reporters, July 2, 2026 [Jesus Vargas/Getty Images]
Venezuela and the Dominican Republic have agreed to pursue a gradual restoration of diplomatic relations that were severed after Santo Domingo publicly rejected Nicolás Maduro's 2024 re-election as fraudulent.
In a statement published on Sunday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said the two governments had agreed a roadmap to hold further talks aimed at the "gradual normalisation" of ties. The ministry described the accord as the product of "sustained dialogue" and said it seeks to strengthen institutional channels of communication to benefit citizens of both countries.
Background
The Dominican Republic joined dozens of countries in declining to recognise Maduro's 2024 victory amid widespread allegations of fraud reported by election observers and Venezuela's opposition. Those elections were followed by protests and a government crackdown that international observers have criticised. Caracas subsequently cut diplomatic relations with Santo Domingo.
Practical Steps and Regional Context
As part of the rapprochement, Venezuela agreed in February to restore commercial flights between Caracas and Santo Domingo and to resume consular services—early confidence-building measures that both sides say are part of the wider roadmap.
Caracas has also signalled a willingness to re-engage with formerly estranged partners and to explore expanded cooperation on energy and other natural-resource projects, language that observers say could open avenues for renewed economic and diplomatic ties in the region.
Justice and International Relations
Separately, Venezuela recently announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the court of bias against poorer and non-Western states. The ICC in 2021 said it would investigate possible crimes against humanity linked to Venezuela's 2017 crackdown on anti-government protests; that probe has been politically contentious.
What Comes Next: The two governments will hold further talks according to the agreed roadmap. Observers say progress will depend on concrete steps to rebuild trust, continued diplomatic engagement and verification of commitments on consular and commercial ties.
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