Venezuela ready to talk with US on drug trafficking, Maduro says, investment doors open if oil is needed

Caracas (The Uttam Hindu): Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has said that his country is ready to cooperate with the United States in the fight against drug trafficking, provided Washington is serious about dialogue. Speaking in a pre-recorded interview aired on state television, Maduro stated that Venezuela is open to discussing an agreement with the US on this issue.

However, Maduro refused to comment on a recent alleged CIA-led attack in a Venezuelan docking area, which the Trump administration claims was being used by drug cartels. He reiterated that the United States aims to bring about a change of government in Venezuela.

In an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, Maduro accused the US of deploying large-scale military forces in the Caribbean Sea to gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. He said the US has been trying to impose its will through threats, pressure, and force, but added that the time has come for serious talks based on concrete facts.

Maduro made it clear that Venezuela is open to American investment, especially in the energy sector. He said that if the US genuinely wants cooperation to combat drug trafficking, Venezuela is ready. He added that if the US needs oil, it can invest freely in Venezuela, similar to existing arrangements with Chevron. Currently, Chevron Corporation is the only major US oil company exporting Venezuelan crude oil to the United States.

The interview was recorded on New Year’s Eve, the same day the US military confirmed attacks on five suspected drug trafficking boats. According to the Trump administration, a total of 35 such boat attacks have been carried out so far, with at least 115 people reportedly killed. President Donald Trump has defended these actions as necessary to stop drug smuggling into the US, stating that America is engaged in an armed fight against drug cartels.