Foreign relations of Venezuela

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Sidebar with collapsible listsThe foreign relations of Venezuela had since the early twentieth century been particularly strong with the United States. However, since the election of Hugo Chávez as President of Venezuela in 1998, Venezuela's foreign policy differed substantially from that of previous Venezuelan governments. This change in foreign policy direction continues under the current president Nicolás Maduro.

From 2019 to 2023, Juan Guaidó disputed the presidency of Venezuela.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> And Edmundo González since the 2024 venezolan elections.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Venezuela maintains diplomatic relations with:

File:Diplomatic relations of Venezuela.svg
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Bilateral relations

Africa

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag	7 May 1981	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Equatorial Guinea has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Malabo.
Template:Flag	1970	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Kenya is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. Venezuela has an embassy in Nairobi.
Template:Flag	18 June 1965	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Libya has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela is accredited to Libya from its embassy in Algiers, Algeria.
Template:Flag	3 August 1982	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} SADR has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela is accredited to the SADR from its embassy in Algiers, Algeria.

Americas

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag		{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In June 2009 Antigua and Barbuda became a formal member of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) international cooperation organization and the Caribbean oil alliance Petrocaribe. In 2009 Antigua and Barbuda received US$50 million from Venezuela because of the country's membership in this alliance. After American billionaire Allen Stanford's banks failed, Chávez sent financial assistance to Antigua and Barbuda, which was dependent on Stanford's investment when his business empire collapsed.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} File:Kirchner and Chavez.jpg Presidents Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and Néstor Kirchner of Argentina, 2005 US$1.4 billion was traded between Argentina and Venezuela during 2008.<ref name="Venezuela shops in Argentina after Colombia spat">Template:Cite news</ref> Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez met Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in Caracas on 11 August 2009.<ref name="Chavez and Cristina sign a billion USD trade agreement"/> Kirchner called it a "bilateral meeting [...] aimed at deepening our vital integration."<ref name="Chavez and Cristina sign a billion USD trade agreement"/> The two presidents signed deals intended to see Venezuela import leather, machinery and poultry from Argentina, whilst a rice importation agreement was described by the Argentine President as "the biggest ever in Argentina's history".<ref name="Chavez and Cristina sign a billion USD trade agreement"/> The deals were said to be worth $1.1 billion.<ref name="Venezuela shops in Argentina after Colombia spat"/> The meeting coincided with visits to Venezuela by dozens of Argentine businessmen.<ref name="Chavez and Cristina sign a billion USD trade agreement">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both embassies were closed in July 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	25 April 1989	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1989.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries are full members of Organization of American States.
Template:Flag	14 September 1883	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1883. Currently both countries are part of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP). Bolivia has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in La Paz.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} File:Fórum Social Mundial 2008 - AL.jpg Meeting of South American Presidents in Brazil in 2009. Lula da Silva of Brazil is in the center, and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela furthest right. In 2001 Venezuela and Brazil opened a high-voltage power line between the two countries to supply electricity from Venezuela to energy-starved northern Brazil. The line provides cheap hydro-electric power to Brazil and also earns Venezuela tens of millions of dollars every year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2007 Brazil and Venezuela pledged closer trade and energy ties, including building a new oil refinery in Brazil. The $4.5bn refinery scheme to be completed in 2010 will be 40%-owned by Venezuela's state oil firm PDVSA, while Brazil's national oil firm Petrobras will hold the rest.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Venezuela purchased 1,500 tonnes of coffee beans from Brazil on 10 August 2009 after falling out with Colombia over its decision to allow an increased United States presence in its military bases.<ref name="Venezuela shops in Argentina after Colombia spat"/> On 18 June 2015, a mission of Brazilian senators led by Sen. Aécio Neves (mostly composed by opposition legislatives to Pres. Dilma Rousseff) flew to Caracas with interest to visit Venezuelan prisoner Leopoldo López and families of victims of the protests against President Nicolás Maduro. About a kilometer away from the Simón Bolívar International Airport, the vehicle carrying the senators was prevented to continue the trip after being stopped and surrounded by government protesters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Finally, the Brazilian senators decided to return to Brazil on the same day. The legislative houses Câmara dos Deputados and Senado Federal of Brazil issued motions of rejection to such events. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil issued an Official Note expressing his annoyance with the "unacceptable hostile acts" that occurred that day and asking for official explanations from the Government of Venezuela. During the Brazilian government of President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), Brazil cut off diplomatic relations with the current Venezuelan leftwing and disputed government of president Nicolás Maduro. Brazil downgraded its diplomatic relations with the ruling Venezuelan government. Brazil recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April 2020, Brazil closed its embassy in Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> in 2022, relations were re-established before the presidency of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Brazil has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Brasília.
Template:Flag	January 1953	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Venezuela and Canada have had diplomatic relations since January 1953. The relations between the two countries have been based on mutual commercial interests; especially in technology, oil and gas industry, telecommunications and others. Venezuela is Canada's second largest export market in South America for goods as well as for services.<ref>The Canadian Embassy in Venezuela –The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in Caracas [1] Accessed 18 December 2007</ref> In 2006, goods exports from Canada increased by 14% and the cumulative stock of Canadian investments in Venezuela amounted to $574 million.<ref>The Canadian Embassy in Venezuela –The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service [2] Accessed 18 December 2007</ref> In January 2019, Canada recognized and endorsed Juan Guaidó's position at the interim President of Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In June 2019, Canada closed its embassy in Caracas due to diplomatic visas unable to be renewed under President Maduro's government.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Canada is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. Venezuela has an embassy in Ottawa.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Chile has an embassy in Caracas and a consulate in Puerto Ordaz. Venezuela has an embassy in Santiago.
Template:Flag	10 June 1833	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In the 20th century the relationship with Colombia evolved with ups and downs, mostly regarding the Colombia-Venezuela maritime territory dispute over the Gulf of Venezuela. The lowest point in the relationship occurred on 19 August 1987 after the Colombian Corvette ARC Caldas (FM-52) trespassed into disputed waters and then President of Venezuela, Jaime Lusinchi ordered the Venezuelan Air Force to the area and coerced the Colombians. The standoff was resolved through diplomatic channels but the dispute remained.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }} Published in Power in Latin America (Issue 129/2004)</ref> One of the main issues has been the large wave of Colombians that migrated to Venezuela in the 1970s and 1980s, working primarily in low-end jobs. Many Colombian immigrants were imprisoned in Venezuela under deplorable conditions, faced discrimination and endured human rights violations.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The Colombian armed conflict has also provoked impasses between the two countries. Military illegal incursions by the two countries' military forces into each other's territory have been frequent since the conflict in Colombia escalated in the 1980s, which subsequently triggered forced displacements in Colombia and into Venezuela. Illegally armed groups also trespassed into Venezuela to commit crimes. Contraband flows from one territory to another depending on supply and demand along the shared porous border of Template:Convert. Illegal products range from gasoline, drugs and weapons to stolen cars. Since 2002, the relationship between Colombia and Venezuela has fluctuated due to the ideological differences that separate Hugo Chávez and Álvaro Uribe. The relationship between the two countries once again reached a low point in November 2007 after a failed effort to achieve a humanitarian exchange, causing the relations to freeze.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following the revelation in 2009 that Colombia wanted to allow the United States to use it military bases, relations between Colombia and Venezuela soured, with Venezuela opting to shop in countries such as Argentina and Brazil.<ref name="Venezuela shops in Argentina after Colombia spat" /> Trade between the two countries was worth $7 billion in 2008.<ref name="Venezuela shops in Argentina after Colombia spat" /> In August 2009 Venezuela recalled an envoy from Bogotá over accusations Venezuela had provided arms to Colombian rebels, halted the import of Colombian cars and banned a Colombian energy firm from Venezuela's oil-rich Orinoco region.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2010 the 2010 Colombia-Venezuela diplomatic crisis saw Colombia and Venezuela recall their ambassadors amid allegations by Colombia that Venezuela was actively permitting and supporting FARC/ELN camps on its side of the border. Assisted by UNASUR mediation, the crisis was resolved shortly after the inauguration of new Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. Santos made efforts to repair his relationship with Chávez in the months following taking office.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In February 2019, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro cut off diplomatic ties with Colombia, after the failed shipping of humanitarian aid to Venezuela that year. Following the election of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the two countries restored diplomatic ties in August 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Relations between Cuba and Venezuela have significantly improved during the Presidency of Hugo Chávez. Chávez formed a major alliance with Cuba's leadership and significant trade relationship with Cuba since his election in 1999.<ref name=BRITANNICA>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> Chávez described Cuban President Fidel Castro as his mentor<ref name=DNAWAHC>Template:Cite news</ref> and called Cuba "a revolutionary democracy".<ref name=BBCVEUCV>Template:Cite news</ref> The bilateral relation includes development aid, joint business ventures, large financial transactions, exchange of energy resources (for example discounted Venezuelan oil in exchange for Cuban doctors) and information technology, and cooperation in the fields of intelligence service and military. Both nations are delivering assets which are inexpensive for the sending country but of high significance for the receiving country.<ref name=LE>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Cuba has an embassy in Caracas and a consulate-general in Valencia. Venezuela has an embassy in Havana.
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Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} El Salvador has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in San Salvador. In November 2019, the Venezuelan government expelled El Salvador's diplomats in a reciprocal move after El Salvador had expelled Venezuelan diplomats.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag	22 June 1891 (Relations severed 2020)	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In 2020, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei announced it would sever ties with Venezuela, prompting to close its embassy both in Caracas and Guatemala City, following the ongoing presidential crisis.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} There is a long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries over the area of Orinoco basin. Venezuela claimed more than half of the territory of the British colony of Guyana at the time of the Latin American wars of independence, a dispute that was settled by arbitration in 1899. In 1962 Venezuela declared that it would no longer abide by the arbitration decision, which ceded mineral-rich territory in the Orinoco basin to Guyana. The area is called "Guayana Esequiba" by Venezuela. A border commission was set up in 1966 with representatives from Guyana, Venezuela and Great Britain, but failed to reach agreement. Venezuela vetoed Guyana's bid to become a member of the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1967. In 1969 Venezuela backed an abortive uprising in the disputed area. Under intense diplomatic pressure, Venezuela agreed in 1970 to a 12-year moratorium on the dispute with the Protocol of Port-of-Spain. In 1981, Venezuela refused to renew the protocol. However, with changes to the governments of both countries relations improved, to the extent that in 1990 Venezuela sponsored Guyana's bid for OAS membership.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Guyana has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Georgetown.
Template:Flag	1864	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Haiti has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Port-au-Prince.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Jamaica has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Kingston.
Template:Flag	8 September 1835	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Historically the two countries have had good diplomatic relations. Ever since both countries became important players in the oil industry, some competitive tensions arose, eventually leading to disputes after Mexico signed an agreement to join NAFTA. During President Vicente Fox's term in the early 2000s, ties between the two countries became critically strained to the point of recalling one another's ambassadors. It has been clear that diplomatic relations between both countries are not indefinitely severed, in recent years numerous groups and organizations, both in holistic and in land are working to restore the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, as they are of strategic economic and cultural importance within the region. In August 2007, after two years of diplomatic absence in either country, normal relations were re-established with the appointment of former foreign minister Roy Chaderton as Venezuela's envoy in Mexico City and the transfer of Jesús Mario Chacón Carrillo, formerly Mexican ambassador to Colombia, to Caracas.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mexico has an embassy in Caracas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuela has an embassy in Mexico City.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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Template:Flag	7 August 1891	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Relations between Paraguay and Venezuela improved since Paraguay's new leftist President Fernando Lugo was inaugurated in 2008, a change from 61 unbroken years of Colorado party rule. President Lugo supported Venezuela's entry into Mercosur; however, the Colorado Party's influence in Paraguay's Congress and Senate did not support the move.Template:Citation needed Paraguay and Venezuela restarted negotiations on an unpaid debt of $250 million owed by Paraguayan oil company Petropar to its counterpart Petróleos de Venezuela after the Presidents of Paraguay and Venezuela met to deal with the financing.<ref>[3] Template:Webarchive</ref> In September 2009 Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo revoked plans for US troops to hold joint military exercises and development projects. President Lugo referenced strong regional opposition from countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador to the expansion of US military bases in Colombia in his decision.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, bilateral relations severed in January 2019 as Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez announced that Paraguay will not recognize Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's elected president. Paraguay then decided to close its embassy, and withdraw diplomats “in defense of democracy”.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="OAS16">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="auto1">Template:Cite news</ref> Diplomatic relations were re-established on 15 November 2023.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	20 December 1833 (Relations severed July 2024)	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In October 2021, the new leftist government of Peru re-established diplomatic relations with the Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro after four years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Both embassies were closed after ties were cut off in July 2024.<ref name="peru_venezuela"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} To the people of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela has been a neighbor initially because of the geographical location of the two countries, however over time the geographical and human resources of both countries have allowed for changes in the relationship. Also both countries have had a longstanding diplomatic relationship whereby an embassy was established as far back as 1987 if not earlier.Template:Citation needed One of the articles of The Double Taxation Relief (Venezuela)Order 1999 – (Legal Notice #348 of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) allowed for the protection for the fiscal privileges of diplomatic agents or consular officers.<ref name="Income Tax">http://www.ird.gov.tt/Media/Default/IRDTreaties/DTT-Venezuela--1997.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF</ref> The Double Taxation Relief (Venezuela) Order 1999 was issued in the English and Spanish languages with each version being equally authentic. Attached to the Convention was a Protocol, both of which (Convention and Protocol) were done on 31st day of July 1996, and both of which were signed by Ralph Maraj for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and by Angel Burelli Rivas for the Government of the Republic of Venezuela. The Protocol included the following details "M Look Loy Acting Secretary to Cabinet on 30th day of December 1997".Template:Citation needed The purpose of the Protocol was for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion and Avoidance with respect to taxes on income and for the Encouragement of International Trade and Investment and included four clauses which "shall be an integral part of the Convention."<ref name="Income Tax" /> Trinidad and Tobago has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Port of Spain.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} United States-Venezuela relations have traditionally been close, characterized by an important trade and investment relationship and cooperation in combating the production and transit of illegal drugs. Recently, there has been tension between the two countries since the election of Presidents Hugo Chávez of Venezuela and George W. Bush of the United States and strong criticism of US politics and military activity; the Socialist United Party was the only group which condemned the killing of Osama Bin Laden.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }} "It surprises me to no end how natural crime and murder has become, how it is celebrated. At least before, imperialist governments were more subtle. Now the death of anyone, based on what they are accused of, but not only those working outside of the law like bin Laden, but also presidents, the families of presidents, are openly celebrated by the leaders of the nations that bomb them."</ref> The Roosevelt Corollary and Dollar Diplomacy The Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903 saw a naval blockade of several months imposed against Venezuela by Britain, Germany and Italy over President Cipriano Castro's refusal to pay foreign debts and damages suffered by European citizens in a recent Venezuelan civil war. Castro assumed that the United States' Monroe Doctrine would see the US prevent European military intervention, but at the time the US saw the Doctrine as concerning European seizure of territory, rather than intervention per se. Though United States Secretary of State Elihu Root characterized Castro as "a crazy brute", President Roosevelt was concerned with the prospects of penetration into the region by the German Empire. With Castro failing to back down, US pressure and increasingly negative British and American press reaction to the affair, the blockading nations agreed to a compromise, but maintained the blockade during negotiations over the details. This incident was a major stimulus behind the Roosevelt Corollary and the subsequent U.S. policy of Dollar Diplomacy in Latin America. During the presidency of Juan Vicente Gómez, petroleum was discovered under Lake Maracaibo. Gómez managed to deflate Venezuela's staggering debt by granting concessions to foreign oil companies, which won him the support of the United States and the European powers. The growth of the domestic oil industry strengthened the economic ties between the U.S. and Venezuela. Bolivarian Revolution File:Hillary Clinton and Hugo Chavez.png Hugo Chávez meeting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Summit of the Americas, April 2009. After Hugo Chávez was elected President of Venezuela, the long-standing and close diplomatic relationship between Venezuela and the United States deteriorated. Chávez's stance as an OPEC price hawk raised the price of oil for the United States. His public friendship and significant trade relationship with Cuba conflicted with the U.S. foreign policy of isolating Cuba. Long-running ties between the U.S. and Venezuelan militaries were severed. Chávez was intensely critical of U.S. economic and foreign policy: in Iraq, Haiti, Kosovo, Free Trade Area of the Americas and in numerous other areas. Chávez accused the United States of acting like an empire.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Chávez also accused the US of involvement in, or at least foreknowledge of, the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt. According to Business Insider's edition of July 2015, Venezuela was seeking to re-establish diplomatic ties with the United States of America, "Maduro made the first move in March (2015) – around three months after Washington and Havana announced on 17 Dec they were seeking to restore diplomatic ties – by requesting a "direct channel of communication" with U.S. President Barack Obama and the State Department, said the official.<ref>Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.com/united-states-moving-to-restore-diplomatic-relations-with-venezuela-2015-7</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Uruguay has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Montevideo. In September 2020, the Foreign Minister of the Uruguayan center-right government of President Luis Lacalle Pou said that the Venezuelan Nicolás Maduro regime is a dictatorship and that Uruguay would no longer encourage dialogue with the Maduro regime.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Asia

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Template:Flag	28 June 1974	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} File:Belt and Road Initiative participant map.svg Countries which signed cooperation documents related to the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2008 the governments of Venezuela and the People's Republic of China launched their first joint space satellite, named Venesat-1. Venezuela's leader Hugo Chávez said the satellite would be a tool of integration for Latin America and the Caribbean regions by saying "This satellite is not for us but for the people of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a further step towards independence", he said, adding that the project would break the mold of "technological illiteracy."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2009, China entered into a partnership with Venezuela to launch a railway company in Venezuela which will be 40% controlled by the China Railways Engineering Corporation (CREC) and the remainder by Venezuela. Venezuela outlined the role of the venture as one which would link Venezuela's oil producing regions and agricultural farming areas<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Also established are military-technological ties with the acquisition of two squadrons (24) of Chinese-built Karakorum-8 trainer jets and ground radars, signalling a greater Chinese involvement in Latin America.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Oil exports to China are set to increase substantially.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2008 Venezuela signed a series of energy co-operation deals with China with the President of Venezuela stating that oil exports could rise threefold by 2012, to one million barrels a day.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In February 2009 Venezuela and China agreed to double their joint investment fund to $12 billion and signed agreements to boost co-operation which include increasing oil exports from Venezuela, China's fourth biggest oil provider. An oil refinery is planned to be built in China to handle Venezuelan heavy crude from the Orinoco basin. "It is part of a strategic alliance" Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said, after meeting the visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping who stated that "our co-operation is highly beneficial".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2009 Venezuela announced a new $16bn deal with China to drill for oil in a joint venture with PDVSA to produce Template:Convert of extra heavy crude. Hugo Chávez stated that "In addition, there will be a flood of technology into the country, with China going to build drilling platforms, oil rigs, railroads, houses."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> When Hugo Chávez came to power, trade with China had peaked under $200mn but since then it has jumped to nearly $10bn. Chinese officials say that Venezuela has now become the biggest recipient of its investments in Latin America. Venezuela has also embarked on a programme of cultural and scientific exchange with China.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		Georgia does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Venezuela, since Venezuela recognises Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent countries.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag	1 October 1959	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} India's country run ONGC Videsh Limited oil and gas exploration and production company helped certify heavy oil reserves in the Orinoco river belt.<ref name="The World Reporter">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In the year 2010, A consortium led by Indian state-owned oil companies also won a global bid to claim 40% stake in an important oil block in Venezuela, giving India the capability of producing 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day in its peak time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Diplomatic relations between India and Venezuela were established on 1 October 1959.<ref name="Embassy of Venezuela">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> India maintains an embassy in Caracas, while Venezuela maintains an embassy in New Delhi. There have been several visits by heads of state and government, and other high-level officials between the countries. President Hugo Chávez visited New Delhi on 4–7 March 2005.<ref name="Embassy of Venezuela"/> Chávez met with Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two countries signed six agreements including one to establish a joint commission to promote bilateral relations and another on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro visited India to attend the First Meeting of the India-CELAC Troika Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi on 7 August 2012.<ref name="MEA2016">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela signed an MoU during a visit by Indian Election Commissioner V S Sampath to Caracas in 2012. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs visited Venezuela to attend the state funeral of President Chávez in March 2013.<ref name="MEA2016"/> The President and Prime Minister of India expressed condolences on the death of Chávez. The Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, observed a minute's silence to mark his death. Ambassador Smita Purushottam represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Chávez's successor Nicolás Maduro on 19 April 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Citizens of Venezuela are eligible for scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.<ref name="MEA2016"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> India's pharmaceutical major, Cipla has 120 medications approved to market in Venezuela, and made nearly $15 million in revenue the year 2006.<ref name="The World Reporter"/>
Template:Flag	10 October 1959	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} On 12 August 2000, Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez visited Jakarta and paid courtesy call to Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid. Subsequently, in the next month on 26–28 September 2000 Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid visited Caracas to attend the OPEC summit, and paid a courtesy call to Hugo Chávez.<ref name="Merdeka">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuela has donated US$2 million for the relief effort promptly after the tsunami devastated Aceh in 2004. Venezuela also promoted education in Aceh by establishing Institute of Polytechnic of Venezuela-Indonesia in Aceh inaugurated in 2009.<ref name="JakartaPost1">Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The presidents of Venezuela and Iran in 2009, President Hugo Chávez and President Ahmadinejad, respectively, both described themselves on the world stage as opposed to US imperialism. Citing this commonality of opinion, they regarded each other as allies, and they embarked on a number of initiatives together. For example, on 6 January 2007, the two announced that they would use some money from a previously-announced $2bn joint fund to invest in other countries that were "attempting to liberate themselves from the imperialist yoke", in Chávez's words.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag	September 1952 (suspended 2009)	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Israel-Venezuela relations were historically strong, but have soured under the leadership of President Hugo Chávez. In 2006, Israel-Venezuela relations deteriorated further with regards to the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, and also due to Hugo Chávez's foreign policy relating to Iran and Israel's political opposition to it. Chávez also positioned himself on the world stage as opposed to American foreign policy — the US and Israel are partners in defense and international relations, specifically relating to the Middle East. In the wake of the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict, Venezuela has broken all diplomatic ties with the state of Israel, condemning its actions.Template:Citation needed Venezuela voted in favor of Israeli membership in the United Nations on 27 November 1947 and established diplomatic ties. During the Six-Day War many Venezuelan Jews went to Israel to fight for Israel.<ref name=Krusch>Krusch, David. The Virtual Jewish History Tour: Venezuela. Jewish Virtual Library. American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Retrieved 13 August 2006.</ref> When the United Nations passed General Assembly Resolution 3379 on 10 November 1975, "determin[ing] that Zionism is a form of racism and racial discrimination", Venezuela abstained.<ref>Resolution adopted by the General Assembly: 3379 (XXX). Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. Template:Webarchive United Nations, 10 November 1975. Accessed 13 August 2006.</ref> The resolution was later revoked. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres visited Caracas in January 1995, during the second Caldera administration, to "cement ties with friendly countries, and to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit". Venezuela's Foreign Minister noted that "The reception that was given for Foreign Minister Peres was unprecedented." <ref>Foreign Ministry Statement on visit of Foreign Minister Peres to Venezuela and Argentina. Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 15:1995–1996, 15 January 1995. Accessed 13 August 2006.</ref> President Hugo Chávez broke off diplomatic ties and expelled the Israeli ambassador after the 2008–2009 Gaza War which left around 1,200 Palestinians dead and over 5000 wounded.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 27 April 2009, Venezuelan foreign minister Nicolás Maduro met with Palestinian National Authority foreign affairs minister Riyad al-Maliki in Caracas, where formal diplomatic relations were established between the two.Template:Citation needed In January 2019, Israel recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In 1999, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez made a three-day trip to Japan. Japanese banks Marubeni and Mitsui loaned Venezuela $3.5 billion in 2007 to be repaid in oil. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation provided $1.89 billion in loans to support the banks. Hugo Chávez made another two-day trip in 2009, during which he met Prime Minister Taro Aso. During the trip they agreed to cooperate on oil and gas developments and form a committee to study financing development and exploration. Japan and Venezuela signed a dozen other accords as part of Chávez's visit.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In February 2019, Japan recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	18 December 1986	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Malaysia has had an embassy in Caracas since 1990,<ref name=my>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Venezuela has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Diplomatic relations were established 18 December 1986.<ref name=my/>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Myanmar and Venezuela have diplomatic relations. The Ambassador of Venezuela in Vietnam is accredited to Myanmar.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	28 April 1987	Nepal and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1987. The Ambassador of Venezuela in India is accredited to Nepal. The Embassy of Nepal in Brasília is currently accredited to Venezuela<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	1974	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Template:Flag	27 August 1968	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Venezuela and the Philippines share a Hispanic heritage and relations between the two countries has been warm and friendly since it formal establishment of ties on 27 August 1968. Venezuela has an embassy in Manila and the Philippines has an embassy in Caracas.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez made a state visit in the Philippines in 1999 and signed the RP-Venezuela Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Investment.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> Venezuela is the Philippines' 5th largest trading partner in South America with Philippine exports increasing to 38 million dollars in 2004, compared to just 1.6 million dollars of 2003. The Philippines is willing to work with Venezuela in both energy and power industries.<ref name=autogenerated1 />
Template:Flag	29 April 1965	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela began on 29 April 1965.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Relations have almost been nonexistent since Venezuela recognized the People's Republic of China in 1974, although unofficial relations have been preserved through a Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Caracas. In the 2000s, increasing partnership between the government of the Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez and People's Republic of China has led to a more overt rejection of the Republic of China's legitimacy by Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Taipei Commercial Office in Bogotá, Colombia is currently accredited to Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| {{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Turkey has an embassy in Caracas and an Honorary Consulate in Maracaibo. Venezuela has an embassy in Ankara and a Consulate General in Istanbul. Trade volume between the two countries was 150 million USD USD in 2019 (Venezuelan exports/imports: 20/130 million USD.<ref name="auto78"/>
Template:Flag	1989	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Vietnam and Venezuela set up diplomatic ties in 1989. Since 2006 Vietnam has had an embassy in Caracas and Venezuela has an embassy in Hanoi. Though bilateral trade was $11.7 million in 2007<ref name="ap-nam">Template:Cite news</ref> relations show "great potential".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Over the past ten years, the two countries have witnessed new developments in various fields, including politics, economics, culture and society, particularly in the oil and gas industry.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez visited Vietnam in 2006 and since then his government stepped up bilateral relations with the country, which also included receiving the Communist Party General Secretary, Nông Đức Mạnh in 2007. Petróleos de Venezuela and Petrovietnam also announced a number of joint projects following the 2006 visit, including Petrovietnam being given a concession in the Orinoco basin and an agreement to transport Venezuelan oil to Vietnam, where the two would together build an oil refinery that Vietnam lacks. On the 2006 visit Chávez praised Vietnam's "revolutionary" history as he attacked the United States for its "imperialist" crimes in the Vietnam War. On the 2008 visit Vietnamese President Nguyễn Minh Triết returned similar comments as he lauded a group of Venezuelans who captured a US soldier during the Vietnam War in an unsuccessful bid to prevent the execution of a Vietnamese revolutionary.<ref name="ap-nam"/> The two leaders also signed a deal for a $200 million joint fund and 15 cooperation projects.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> President Triết arrived in Caracas on 18 November 2008 for a two-day official visit on an invitation from Chávez.<ref>[4] Template:Webarchive</ref> Triết hailed Vietnam's friendship with Venezuela as he sought to focus on tying up oil and gas deals, including a joint development fund. He said that "We (Vietnamese) are grateful for the support and solidarity that they (Venezuelans) have offered us until now." Triet said.Template:Citation needed In March 2008 an agreement was signed to cooperate in tourism between Vietnam and Venezuela. President Nguyễn Minh Triết received the PDVSA's Vice President Asdrúbal Chávez and stated that oil and gas cooperation would become a typical example of their multi-faceted cooperation.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2009 the Venezuelan government approved $46.5 million for an agricultural development project with Vietnam.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Europe

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag	26 March 1838	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Denmark is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil. Venezuela is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Oslo, Norway.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} France has an embassy in Caracas and Venezuela has an embassy in Paris.<ref name="dip" /> During the 1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts, the French Government "immediately signalled its refusal to accept a breakdown in institutional legitimacy.<ref name="dip"/> President Hugo Chávez met French President Jacques Chirac on three occasions in October 2002, March 2005 and October 2005.<ref name="dip">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2007, Chávez visited French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss the situation of hostage Ingrid Betancourt held in Colombia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In September 2008, Chávez again visited Sarkozy and Chávez said he sought aid from "friendly" countries like France, in exchange for "Venezuelan energy".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In October 2008, the Venezuelan and French Foreign Ministers signed 10 agreements on cooperation including bilateral cooperation on energy, military, telecommunications, tourism and fight against drug trafficking.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2000, French company Pechiney signed an agreement with the Venezuela government to invest USD 260 million over three years to expand state-owned bauxite and alumina.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As of 2005, French oil company TotalEnergies was the largest foreign investor in Venezuela.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In 2005, Total commenced negotiations with the Venezuelan Government over a possible US$5 billion project to develop heavy oil in eastern Venezuela.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In April 2006, the Venezuelan government seized control of foreign owned oil fields including those operated by Total.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In February 2019, France joined major EU countries and United States in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Germany has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Berlin and consulates-general in Frankfurt and Hamburg.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Greece has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Athens.
Template:Flag	1869	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1869. The Holy See has a nunciature in Caracas.<ref>Template:Catholic-hierarchy</ref> Venezuela has an embassy in Rome. There were tensions with the Vatican under the presidency of Hugo Chávez, a president who, while being Catholic, was ideologically influenced by Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and Simón Bolívar, political thinkers that have historically been opposed to the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Chávez also cited his support for the liberation theology of Leonardo Boff, which Rome had opposed in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag	1861	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Bilateral relations between Italy and Venezuela began on 17 March 1856 with the accreditation in Naples of a Venezuelan Consulate. In 1857, the first Italian consular office in Venezuela was established in Maracaibo, and in 1859 the second was based in La Guaira, to receive the emigrants from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in Venezuela. With the constitution of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, under Vittorio Emanuele II was signed the treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation on 20 September 1861, still in force. Venezuela was the first country in Latin America to recognize the Kingdom of Italy. The Italian presence in Venezuela takes relevance only in the early 20th century particularly after the Second World War. Currently the Italian community in Venezuela is the most consistent in Latin America after the one of Brazil and Argentina with around 200,000 residents (although only 115,000 are registered in the consular registers). However, it is estimated that the community of Italian origin exceeds one million people.Template:Citation needed The bilateral relations between Italy and Venezuela increased when president Hugo Chávez signed the Framework Agreement on Economic, Industrial, Infrastructure and Development Cooperation between the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Government of the Italian Republic in 2001, From which established the celebration of the Italo-Venezuelan Council.Template:Citation needed Italy has an embassy in Caracas and a consulate in Maracaibo. Venezuela has an embassy in Rome and consulates-general in Milan and Naples.
Template:Flag	1921	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Diplomatic relations between the governments of the Netherlands and Venezuela were established in 1921 following a treaty to that effect concluded at Caracas on 11 May 1920.<ref>Text in League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. 7, pp. 86–95.</ref> In January 2010, the Dutch PM Balkenende dismissed the allegations of Chávez that US war planes were being deployed as part of a planned attack. During a television interview Chávez had said "We accuse the American and the Dutch governments of provoking Venezuela and planning aggression". He showed a photograph of a US P3 warplane as proof. According to Balkenende the planes were being used to combat drug trafficking and the picture had been "taken from Wikipedia" and was dated from 2002.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> the Netherlands has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in The Hague and consulates-general in Oranjestad, Aruba and Willemstad, Curaçao.
Template:Flag	1933	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Poland has an embassy in Caracas. Venezuela has an embassy in Warsaw.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Portugal and Venezuela meet regularly in the Ibero-American Summit and the Venezuela-Portugal Mixed Commission of Bilateral Monitoring created in 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> Economic, diplomatic and friendship ties between Venezuela and Portugal developed significantly during Chávez presidency. Chávez also acknowledged the importance of the large Portuguese community in Venezuela.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> During his term, he made four official visits at Portugal.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2018, Portugal and Venezuela signed 22 bilateral agreements with each other, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza described Portugal as a fundamental ally in support of the Bolivarian government during the "economic siege that the United States has waged against Venezuela".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	3 March 1945	labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Venezuela remains as one of Russia's most important trading and military allies in Latin America (after Brazil), making a strong bond in the bilateral relations between the two nations. Relations have become increasingly closer with Venezuela, the most recent visible results of which being Venezuela becoming the third nation to officially recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Russia approving a $2 billion loan to Venezuela for arms in September 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Serbia is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil. Venezuela has an embassy in Belgrade, Serbia. In 2007, Serbia exported goods worth €33,000 to Venezuela, while Venezuelan exports totaled €158,000. After the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that Venezuela does not recognise Kosovo's independence on the grounds that it has been achieved through U.S. pressure, saying "This cannot be accepted. It's a very dangerous precedent for the entire world.".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 24 March 2008, Chávez accused Washington of trying to "weaken Russia" by supporting independence for Kosovo. He called Kosovo's new leader, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, a "terrorist" put in power by the U.S. and noted that the former rebel leader's nom de guerre was "The Snake".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In January 2019, Spain was the first leading EU country to recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Spain has an embassy in Caracas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuela has an embassy in Madrid<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and consulates-general in Barcelona,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Bilbao,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>Santa Cruz de Tenerife,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Vigo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Sweden is represented in Venezuela through its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. Consulates-generales in Caracas and consulate in Porlamar, Isla Margarita.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuela has an embassy in Stockholm.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Ukraine is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Havana, Cuba. Venezuela is accredited to Ukraine from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
Template:Flag		labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Venezuela established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 29 October 1834.Template:Citation needed Venezuela maintains an embassy in London.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> The United Kingdom is accredited to Venezuela through its embassy in Caracas.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Both countries share common membership of the International Criminal Court, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Investment Agreement.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In February 2019, United Kingdom recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president of Venezuela.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Oceania

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Template:Flag		{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} In October 2008 Solomons Prime Minister Derek Sikua moved to establish economic relations with Venezuela, hoping to benefit from comparatively cheap Venezuelan oil. In the context of the 2008 financial crisis, it was believed that it would bring down the price of oil for Solomon Islanders, and boost the economy if the Solomons imported crude Venezuelan oil, refined it and then exported it to neighbouring countries.<ref>"L’opposition fait l’éloge du gouvernement des Salomon" Template:Webarchive, ABC Radio Australia, 14 October 2008</ref>

Multilateral organizations

Organisation of American States

By virtue of its geographical location, Venezuela became one of the members of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on "April 30, 1948" when they signed the "CHARTER OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (A-41)".<ref>Member States of The OAS http://www.oas.org /en/member_ states/default.asp</ref> On 21 December 1951, the treaty was ratified by Venezuela "IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 145 OF THE CHARTER".<ref>Member States of The OAS http://www.oas.org/en/member_states/default.asp</ref>

In looking at the treaty, one would note that there are three parts with twenty-two chapters in total to the Treaty of the OAS.<ref name="oas.org">OAS Treaty http://www.oas.org /dil/treaties_A41 _Charter _of_the _Organization _of _American _States.htm</ref> According to the OAS website. "Chapter XXI RATIFICATION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE, Article 141" the OAS Treaty or Charter "shall be registered with the Secretariat of the United Nations through the General Secretariat"<ref name="oas.org"/>

In accordance with "Chapter XIII THE INTER-AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT- Article 94 – The purpose of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development is to promote cooperation among the American States for the purpose of achieving integral development and, in particular, helping to eliminate extreme poverty, in accordance with the standards of the Charter, especially those set forth in Chapter VII with respect to the economic, social, educational, cultural, scientific, and technological fields."<ref>OAS Treatyhttp://www.oas.org/ dil/treaties_A41_Charter_of_the_Organization_of_AmericanStates.htm</ref> To a large extent over the years, the people of Trinidad and Tobago have benefited from the generosity of the Venezuelans, whether it was due to their innate ability to give and share or whether it was provided by the articles of the Treaty as a means to share and for that they are grateful.

On 26 April 2017, Venezuela announced its intention to withdraw from the OAS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez said that President Nicolás Maduro plans to publicly renounce Venezuela's membership on 27 April 2017. It will take two years for the country to formally leave. During this period, the country does not plan on participating in the OAS.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Summits of the Americas

"The Summits of the Americas are institutionalized gatherings of the heads of state and government of the Western Hemisphere where leaders discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values and commit to concerted actions at the national and regional level to address continuing and new challenges faced in the Americas.<ref name="sota">Summit of the Americas-Org.http://www. summit-americas.org/default_en.htm</ref> To date there have been seven Summits of the Americas. There have also been at least two Special Meetings which were held between 1996 and 2004.

"At the Third Summit," which was held in Quebec, Canada in 2001 "leaders instructed their foreign ministers to prepare an Inter-American Democratic Charter which was adopted on September 11, 2001 in Lima".<ref name="sota"/>

The Fifth Summit of the Americas was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 2009 was attended by Hugo Chávez on behalf of Venezuela. Also in attendance were Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago and President Barack Obama of the United States of America.

The Seventh Summit of the Americas was held in Panama City, Panama on 10–11 April 2015.<ref name="summit-americas.org">Summit of the Americas.Org. {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Peru will host the Eighth Summit of the Americas in 2018.<ref name="summit-americas.org"/>

Indigenous Leaders Summits of Americas (ILSA)

With Venezuela having tribes of indigenous persons, given the geographical location of the country, recent developments in the oil and gas sector internationally and offshore, (such as Eliza I and II, the developments offshore of Suriname) the contributions of the Venezuelans to the OAS with respect to this area, that is, indigenous people may be significant going forward.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The position of the OAS with respect to indigenous persons appears to be developing over the years. The following statements appear to capture the position of the OAS with respect to the ILSA :"The "OAS has supported and participated in the organisation of Indigenous Leaders Summits of Americas (ILSA)" according to the OAS's website. The most recent "statement made by the Heads of State of the hemisphere was in the Declaration of Commitments of Port of Spain in 2009 – Paragraph 86" according to the OAS's website."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Draft American Declaration of the Rights of the Indigenous Persons appears to be a working document. The last "Meeting for Negotiations in the Quest for Consensus on this area appeared to be Meeting Number (18) eighteen and is listed as being held in May 2015 according to the website.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Betancourt Doctrine

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The Betancourt Doctrine, named after one of the first presidents of Venezuela's democratic era, Rómulo Betancourt "whereby Venezuela refused to maintain diplomatic relations with governments formed as a result of military coups, was adhered to by both administrations (first two presidents of Venezuela's democratic era). Although the doctrine was much praised, it gradually isolated Venezuela as most other Latin American nations became dominated by nonelected regimes."<ref>Venezuela – FOREIGN RELATIONS. Countrystudies.us. Retrieved on 15 June 2016.</ref>

Other international organisations to which Venezuela belongs

"In the democratic era, Venezuela has attempted to fulfill the principles of Simon Bolivar's ideals through a variety of means. It maintained active membership in the United Nations (UN) and its related agencies, other than this; the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organization of American States (OAS) and its related entities, and a host of other world and hemispheric organizations. In all these forums, Venezuela consistently aligned itself with other democracies" Venezuela and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the related agencies of the UN such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In October 2019, Venezuela competed for one of the two seats to the United Nations Human Rights Council, along with Brazil and Costa Rica, and was elected with 105 votes in a secret ballot by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly. Brazil was re-elected with 153 votes, while Costa Rica was not having garnered 96 votes and entering the month of the election as competition to Venezuela. The United States, Lima Group and human rights groups lobbied against Venezuela's election.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

When the UN General Assembly voted to add Venezuela to the UN Human Rights Council in October 2019, US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft wrote: "I am personally aggrieved that 105 countries voted in favor of this affront to human life and dignity. It provides ironclad proof that the Human Rights Council is broken, and reinforces why the United States withdrew."<ref name="auto6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Venezuela had been accused of withholding from the Venezuelan people humanitarian aid delivered from other nations, and of manipulating its voters in exchange for food and medical care.<ref name="auto6" /> The council had been criticized regularly for admitting members who were themselves suspected of human rights violations.<ref name="auto6" />

International disputes

Border dispute

Venezuela claims most of Guyana west of the Essequibo River, in a dispute which dates back to the early nineteenth century and which saw the Venezuela Crisis of 1895. It also has a maritime boundary dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of Venezuela. The country also has an active maritime boundary dispute with Dominica over the Isla Aves archipelago located in the Caribbean.

See also

• Foreign policy of the Hugo Chávez government
• List of diplomatic missions in Venezuela
• List of diplomatic missions of Venezuela
• Maletinazo