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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco in Washington on Monday, urging further releases of political prisoners as the two discussed reconciliation, institutional reforms and Venezuela’s path toward new elections.
The meeting marked Blanco’s first U.S. visit since interim President Delcy Rodriguez appointed him foreign minister last week.
“Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the President’s three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, and democratic transition,” the State Department said.
Rubio and Blanco briefly appeared together before the press ahead of the meeting but did not make statements.
The State Department said the two officials discussed progress in Venezuelan-led reconciliation talks, including “institutional reforms that lay the groundwork for free, fair, and credible elections.”
Rubio also urged Venezuela to continue releasing remaining political prisoners.
Washington has pressed for such releases since Rodriguez took power following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces on Jan. 3.
A landmark amnesty law has led to the release of many prisoners, though hundreds remain in detention. Venezuelan rights group Foro Penal said 344 political prisoners remained in the country as of Sept. 18.
Maduro, who had led Venezuela since 2013, was widely accused of imprisoning political opponents and activists, including on allegations of coup plotting.
The Venezuelan government and opposition figures have said fresh elections will be held but have not announced a date.
Blanco also met U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss developments in Venezuela and opportunities to advance the Trump administration’s three-phase approach of stabilization, recovery and transition.
Since Maduro’s removal, Rodriguez, who previously served as vice president and oil minister, has been sworn in as interim president. Venezuela has also made changes to its flagship oil law and released some political prisoners.
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