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Dominican Republic and Venezuela Agree to Restore Diplomatic Relations
The governments of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela have agreed to begin a gradual process of restoring consular services and normalizing diplomatic relations, nearly two years after diplomatic ties were suspended following Venezuela's disputed 2024 presidential election.
The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have agreed to launch a gradual process to normalize their diplomatic and consular relations through a mutually agreed roadmap, according to a statement released by the Venezuelan government.
As an initial step, both countries will work to restore consular services before moving toward the full normalization of diplomatic relations under a timetable to be agreed upon by the two governments. Venezuelan authorities said the decision is intended to strengthen official channels of communication and benefit citizens of both countries while reinforcing their longstanding bilateral ties.
Relations Suspended After 2024 Election
Diplomatic relations deteriorated after Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, when Caracas ordered the withdrawal of diplomatic representatives from the Dominican Republic and six other countries. The move followed statements questioning the election in which Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner by Venezuela’s electoral authority.
The new agreement marks the first formal step toward rebuilding official relations between Santo Domingo and Caracas after the diplomatic rupture.
Commitment to Dialogue
According to the Venezuelan government, the administration led by Delcy Rodríguez and the government of Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed their willingness to advance the process through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the principles of international law.
Venezuela said the restoration of ties with the Dominican Republic follows similar normalization efforts announced in recent days with Chile and Peru, countries with which diplomatic relations had also been suspended.
Broader Diplomatic Reengagement
The announcement comes as Venezuela continues what its government describes as a broader process of international reengagement. According to Caracas, recent developments include closer cooperation with the United States, efforts to attract foreign investment, a gradual return to the international community and institutional changes within the government and military.
The timeline for the full restoration of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela has not yet been announced, with both governments expected to define the next steps through the agreed roadmap.
