The two countries announced on Sunday a work plan to restore their diplomatic relations, which were severed after Santo Domingo refused to recognize the re-election of Nicolas Maduro in 2024.
This rapprochement comes amid a profound political realignment in Caracas. Venezuela and the Dominican Republic have agreed on a roadmap toward a "gradual normalization" of their diplomatic ties, according to a statement released Sunday by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"This decision responds to the common interest of strengthening institutional communication channels for the benefit of the populations of both countries," the ministry said, describing the agreement as the result of "sustained dialogue" between the two nations.
Relations were severed after the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election. The Dominican Republic joined dozens of other countries in denouncing Nicolás Maduro's re-election as fraudulent, echoing accusations from election observers and the Venezuelan political opposition. Caracas responded by breaking off diplomatic relations with Santo Domingo. The government crackdown that followed the post-election protests resulted in deaths.
Since then, the situation in Venezuela has changed dramatically. Maduro was captured in a US military raid in January, and an interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez is now in power in Caracas. This administration has begun a rapprochement with former estranged partners, as part of a broader realignment with US interests in the region, which includes opening the country's energy and mineral resources to American investment.
A first concrete step had already been taken in February, with the resumption of flights between Caracas and Santo Domingo and the restoration of consular services. The agreement announced on Sunday constitutes a further step towards a full restoration of ties between the two capitals.
Furthermore, Venezuela recently announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which it accuses of bias against poor and non-Western countries. The ICC had opened an investigation in 2021 into potential crimes against humanity committed by the Venezuelan government during the repression of anti-government protests in 2017. This withdrawal coincides with pressure from the Trump administration aimed at weakening the international institution.
Community
Comments
Write a comment
Be the first to comment on this article.