Venezuelans should not fear U.S. energy ties, President Rodriguez says

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday the country should not fear pursuing energy ties with the United States, as Caracas seeks to expand oil and gas production and attract foreign investment.

Speaking at an event with oil workers at state oil company PDVSA’s Puerto La Cruz refinery in Anzoategui state, Rodriguez said Venezuela needed to engage openly on energy cooperation with global partners.

“We must not be afraid of the energy agenda, neither with the United States nor with the rest of the countries in the world,” she said.

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Rodriguez also voiced support for proposed changes to Venezuela’s hydrocarbons framework, saying the reforms were aimed at boosting productivity and drawing large amounts of domestic and international investment to develop the country’s reserves.

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Venezuela’s National Assembly approved the proposed reform in an initial vote on Thursday, with a second debate still required for final approval.

Under the proposal, a new contract model would allow foreign and local companies to operate oilfields, market production and receive proceeds from sales, even when acting as minority partners alongside state oil firm PDVSA.

The reforms come as Venezuela seeks to revive its energy sector after years of underinvestment, sanctions and declining output.

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