Venezuela names its Washington envoy as new foreign minister
Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has appointed diplomat Félix Plasencia to head a new Ministry of Foreign Relations and Trade, merging the diplomatic and foreign-trade portfolios. Plasencia previously served as Venezuela's chief of mission in Washington and replaces Yvan Gil, foreign minister since 2023, who moves to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Venezuela's government has reorganized its foreign-policy apparatus, folding diplomacy and foreign-trade functions into a single ministry. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez appointed Félix Plasencia, previously Venezuela's chief of mission in Washington, to lead the newly created Ministry of Foreign Relations and Trade.
With Plasencia's appointment, Yvan Gil — foreign minister since 2023 — moves to the Ministry of Science and Technology. The cabinet reshuffle is being read as part of Caracas's broader effort to recalibrate its relationship with Washington.
The change comes as US-backed talks between Venezuela's two parliaments are set to begin. Analysts say Plasencia's experience in the US capital could prove significant as the country works to rebuild its international relationships.
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