ISTANBUL (AP) — Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez conducted meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Monday, focusing on expanding bilateral partnerships in trade, energy, and mining sectors, according to an announcement from the Turkish president’s office.
Rodríguez, who took office following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January, traveled to Turkey after completing a visit to India where she worked on strengthening energy partnerships.
“President Erdogan expressed that our country always stands by the friendly people of Venezuela. He emphasized Turkey’s determination to further advance cooperation with Venezuela in many fields, particularly trade, energy, and mining,” the statement from the Turkish presidential communications directorate said.
The oil-wealthy South American nation and Turkey have developed strong diplomatic relationships during the past ten years, which were reinforced when Maduro supported Erdogan following the unsuccessful coup attempt in 2016. Turkey has consistently provided diplomatic backing for Maduro, and both nations have established agreements for energy and gold trade cooperation despite facing international sanctions.
During the discussions at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace, Rodríguez and Erdogan also explored strategies to increase bilateral trade from its current level of $448 million in 2025 to an ambitious goal of $3 billion.
The leaders also discussed international developments during their meeting, according to the official statement.
