Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed the country's openness to negotiate an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. In an interview recorded on New Year’s Eve, President Maduro stated that Venezuela is prepared for "serious talks, with data in hand" between the two nations. Concurrently, he declined to comment on reports of a US strike on a Venezuelan docking area, an action former US President Donald Trump had claimed targeted facilities used by cartels.
Maduro reiterated denials of accusations from the Trump administration, which had alleged his leadership of a drug cartel. He characterized US actions as an attempt to "impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force." Additionally, President Maduro signaled readiness for US investment in Venezuela's oil sector, mentioning Chevron and noting that Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. The interview occurred on the same day the US military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/02/venezuela-maduro-open-to-talks-drug-trafficking-maduro