Venezuela’s government and opposition have announced that in-person political transition talks will begin next week in Caracas after agreeing on a working agenda.
“We agreed on a first in-person meeting in Caracas next week,” Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly and chief government negotiator, said after a telephone call with opposition figure Dinorah Figuera.
“We have established a working agenda with clear and verifiable objectives,” he said in a statement, adding that the first meeting would address assistance for those affected by last month’s earthquake, the “reinforcement of democracy” and political rights.
Jorge Rodriguez, who is also the brother of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, said he hoped to launch an “inclusive and efficient” negotiating process.
The government delegation will also include former foreign minister Jorge Arreaza.
Figuera, who leads the opposition bloc that won a legislative majority in 2015, confirmed the telephone call and the agreed agenda in a statement.
The pair last met just days before the earthquakes on June 24.
US-backed talks
The transition talks between the interim government and the opposition are backed by the United States, which says they will focus on rebuilding democratic institutions, strengthening the electorate and guaranteeing political participation.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed satisfaction with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez.
However, supporters of former president Nicolas Maduro have expressed distrust of a process that includes only US-approved representatives.
Venezuela’s last election in 2024 ended with a disputed victory for Maduro, while the opposition claimed its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, had won.
Opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, who is based in Panama, said she does not oppose the negotiations despite not being invited to take part.
Figuera thanked the US government, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in particular, for Washington’s support for the transition.
“This marks a new chapter in the fight to build a dignified future for all Venezuelans,” she said.
