U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright delivered remarks in Caracas, Venezuela, alongside Interim President Delcy Rodriguez following meetings at the Miraflores Palace. The visit focused on the relationship between the United States and Venezuela and opportunities for economic collaboration.
During his speech, Secretary Wright emphasized the historical ties between the two countries and conveyed a message from President Trump regarding future cooperation. “Thank you so much, Interim President Rodriguez. It is an honor to stand here with you today, and to be among the tremendous people of Venezuela. As Interim President Rodriguez mentioned, our countries share a long history. It has gone through different chapters as all relationships do,” Wright said.
He continued by stating: “But today, I bring a message from President Trump: He is passionately committed to absolutely transforming the relationship between the United States and Venezuela. This is part of a broader agenda to make the Americas great again, to bring our countries closer together, and to bring commerce, peace, prosperity, jobs, and opportunity to the people of Venezuela in partnership with the United States. These are not just words or ambitions. We have very specific plans and very specific actions already.”
Wright described Washington’s current efforts aimed at facilitating business activity in Venezuela: “Our government in Washington, DC, has been working 7 days a week to issue licenses, so existing businesses in Venezuela, new businesses that want to enter Venezuela, Venezuelan national companies can buy products, invest money, raise oil production, create new jobs, grow export revenue. All of the things that have constricted the Venezuelan economy, we want to set the Venezuelan people and the economy free.”
The meeting included discussions about both challenges and opportunities facing Venezuela’s economy. “We had very wonderful and candid dialogues today. We both spoke very candidly about the tremendous opportunities in front of us, and some of the problems and challenges… And I believe that we can solve those problems and challenges and move on to the tremendous opportunities in front of us,” he said.
Wright also highlighted Venezuela’s natural resources but noted that human capital was even more significant for progress: “So there’s much talk…of the enormous natural resources in Venezuela… But more important than those natural resources is the incredible humans… Truly this is a partnership between American hearts and minds and Venezuelan hearts and minds.”
He concluded with optimism about increased energy production benefiting both nations: “We believe…that working together…this year we can drive a dramatic increase in Venezuelan oil production…and most importantly of all…increase job opportunities…for all of the Venezuelans across the country.” He added that such progress would benefit not only both countries but also others across the Western Hemisphere.
Recent U.S. Department of Energy initiatives include funding programs aimed at increasing energy efficiency domestically—such as $225 million allocated for implementing updated building energy codes under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-225-million-program-lower-utility-bills-through-more)—as well as investments supporting clean vehicle technologies (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-96-million-advancing-clean-vehicle-technologies-reduce-carbon-emissions) intended to reduce carbon emissions within transportation sectors.
Additionally, over 140 programs have been announced by DOE supporting Justice40 Initiative goals (https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-more-140-programs-supporting-president-bidens-justice40-initiative), aiming for disadvantaged communities to receive substantial benefits from federal clean energy investments.
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