In a recent interview, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro stated that the country is “ready” to engage in discussions with the United States about fighting drug trafficking.
Maduro’s comments came during a “Podcar” interview with journalist Ignacio Ramonet, where he drove around Caracas, while his wife, Cilia Flores, and Communications Minister Freddy Náñez accompanied them in the back seat.
During the interview, Flores and Náñez wore hats bearing the phrase “No War, Yes Peace,” which relates to Maduro’s earlier messaging. He had previously told President Donald Trump about this willingness to talk. The conversation was recorded on December 31st and aired on January 1st on VTV, the government’s primary news outlet.
Maduro mentioned, “Once we have the data, we need to start serious talks. The U.S. government is aware of this since we have communicated to many of our press secretaries that we are prepared for meaningful discussions about a drug trafficking agreement.”
He added, “If they are interested in Venezuelan oil, we are open to U.S. investments like Chevron, whenever and wherever they desire.”
The Venezuelan president asserted that his country has a “perfect” model for combating drug trafficking, suggesting that contrary narratives, even from the U.S., seem unfounded. He emphasized that his government possesses the “maturity and capacity” to negotiate with the U.S. if approached with “reason and diplomacy.”
Maduro’s assertions came amid heightened scrutiny of his administration by the Trump administration. He has faced accusations in a U.S. court, where he is alleged to lead the Sunshine Cartel, a group responsible for large-scale cocaine trafficking targeting the U.S. In July, this organization was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.
Moreover, Maduro is under a $50 million bounty issued by U.S. authorities for his involvement in drug-related terrorism. This bounty aims at gathering information leading to his arrest or conviction.
The interview occurred shortly after Trump announced that U.S. military efforts had neutralized at least one drug-trafficking facility in Venezuela. Maduro, when asked about this military action, chose to avoid the subject but did mention his previous telephone conversation with Trump, denying there was a subsequent discussion.
He stated, “We only had one conversation. He called me from the White House on Friday, November 21st. I was at Miraflores Palace.”
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Maduro described the communication as “respectful,” recalling Trump’s greeting him as “Mr. President Maduro.” He added that he found the conversation somewhat enjoyable.
Despite claiming the interaction was beneficial for relations, Maduro expressed disappointment about events following the meeting, feeling they were “not pleasant.”
He further accused the U.S. of conspiring to “invade” Venezuela, remove him from power, and “steal” the country’s resources, stating, “What are they looking for? It’s clear that they want to impose their will through threats, intimidation, and force.”
