Britain to upgrade diplomatic ties with Venezuela, appointing an ambassador

Britain announced on Tuesday that it will upgrade its diplomatic relations with Venezuela by appointing an ambassador to Caracas, a step intended to enhance its capacity to engage in the country’s political transition.

The British government said the decision is part of a broader international re‑engagement and is aimed at strengthening its ability to support a transition to democracy in Venezuela.

In a written statement to parliament, Britain clarified that the upgrade does not constitute an endorsement of Venezuela’s disputed 2024 election or of any particular political faction, but reflects its longstanding policy of maintaining relations with the Venezuelan state.

Venezuela welcomed the move. Oliver Blanco, the deputy foreign minister for Europe and North America, said Caracas valued Britain’s decision to raise the level of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed Venezuela’s willingness to deepen a respectful and constructive dialogue, promote cooperation in areas of common interest, and advance the recovery of resources that rightfully belong to the Venezuelan people.

The development comes as the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, leads a government that assumed power after the United States removed Nicolás Maduro from office in January.