U.S. and Venezuela's diplomacy chiefs meet after relations are restored

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco in Washington, marking the first diplomatic engagement since relations were restored. The meeting follows the announcement by interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez regarding upcoming elections, although no specific timeline was provided. Rubio and Blanco appeared before the press but did not make statements or shake hands. Blanco, recently appointed, expressed Venezuela's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the U.S. The meeting also coincided with the return of opposition leader María Corina Machado to Venezuela after nearly a year abroad, during which she advocated for elections. The U.S. government supports a political roadmap aimed at renewing Venezuela's institutions, potentially leading to presidential elections in 2027.