President Trump may meet Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York — a potential first public, in-person encounter between the two leaders. The meeting follows months of phone calls and senior-level talks after the reported detention of Nicolás Maduro. Energy cooperation, including a Sept. 2 agreement to develop 17 oil fields, is expected to top the agenda, along with sanctions relief, election timing, Citgo’s status, and cooperation on security and migration.
Trump May Meet Venezuela’s Interim Leader at U.N.; Oil and Sanctions Likely Top Agenda
(AP)
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning what would be his first publicly known, in-person meeting with Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, on the sidelines of next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sources cited by Axios say the encounter could take place as early as Tuesday, though Reuters noted it could not independently verify the initial reports.
Possible Location and Context
People familiar with the arrangements told Axios the meeting might occur near the federal detention facility where, the report says, former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro is being held while facing U.S. criminal charges. The White House has not confirmed the exact logistics; Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I may be,” when asked whether he would meet Rodríguez.
Fast-Moving Diplomatic Shift
A face-to-face meeting would represent a new phase in a rapidly evolving U.S.–Venezuela relationship that has included months of phone calls and senior-level exchanges. U.S. officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other senior administration representatives, have held direct talks with Rodríguez in Venezuela, according to media reports.
Oil and Energy Cooperation
Energy policy is expected to be central to discussions. On Sept. 2, the Trump administration announced an agreement to develop 17 Venezuelan oil fields — a deal the White House described as giving the United States significant economic and governance interests in a newly formed private Venezuelan oil company and access to Venezuelan crude. Trump has signaled interest in energy issues, saying in a recent exchange with reporters, "Well, we have the oil now."
Sanctions, Elections and Institutional Restructuring
Sanctions relief, the timetable for new elections, and the future of Venezuela’s institutions — including questions around U.S.-based refiner Citgo — are likely to be discussed. Rodríguez has said her government is working with U.S. authorities toward having sanctions lifted and that elections will occur when Venezuela is ready; U.S. officials have indicated they want conditions that would support a credible electoral process.
Security, Migration and Law Enforcement
Other potential agenda items include the status of political prisoners and detainees, migration flows, and cooperation on law enforcement and counter-narcotics efforts. The U.S. announced it was removing Venezuela from its list of countries deemed not to be cooperating sufficiently on drug-trafficking issues, citing what the State Department described as positive steps by Rodríguez’s government.
What a Public Meeting Would Mean
For both leaders, a public meeting would be the first known, in-person encounter and would provide an opportunity to outline the next phase of rapidly shifting relations. Observers will be watching for concrete steps on energy access, sanctions relief, and a credible roadmap to elections.
Note: Much of the reporting on the meeting’s timing, location and surrounding details is based on media accounts; some outlets have indicated they could not independently verify all elements.
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