Venezuela Takes Center Stage at G20 Energy Summit in Houston
Venezuela is set to attend the G20 energy ministerial in Houston this week, marking a significant rapprochement between Washington and Caracas.
The move gives Venezuela added visibility, access, and diplomatic standing at a premier international energy forum, according to a White House official who asked not to be named due to lack of public details about the delegation.
Venezuela's hydrocarbons minister, Paula Henao, and Jovanny Martínez, executive vice president of state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), are slated to attend along with other officials from the country.
The Trump administration has invited Venezuela to participate in several bilateral sessions, side events, and industry discussions, despite not being among the world's 20 largest economies.
The inclusion of Venezuela in the G20 talks reflects the Trump administration's efforts to normalize relations with the Latin American nation and tap its vast energy riches, potentially boosting crude production as Middle East conflicts strain global oil flows.