Venezuela will participate in the G20 energy ministerial meeting in Houston, Texas, this week as the United States moves to deepen energy ties with the South American oil producer.
Venezuelan officials are expected to attend the energy summit beginning Monday at the invitation of the US administration, according to a White House official.
Although Venezuela will not participate in the formal closed-door ministerial sessions, its representatives are expected to take part in bilateral meetings, industry discussions and other events on the sidelines of the summit.
Venezuela is not a member of the G20, which comprises the world’s major economies. However, the United States, which holds the group’s presidency this year, can invite non-member countries to selected meetings.
The invitation comes as Washington seeks to strengthen relations with Caracas and encourage investment in Venezuela’s oil and mineral sectors.
US President Donald Trump has urged American oil companies to increase production in Venezuela, whose crude reserves are among the largest in the world. The administration has also backed expanded mineral development under interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Venezuela’s hydrocarbons minister, Paula Henao, is expected to attend the Houston meeting alongside Jovanny Martínez, executive vice president of state-owned oil company PDVSA.
The summit is expected to focus on energy security, increasing energy supply and improving access to resources, issues that align with the Trump administration’s push for greater oil and gas production.
Houston’s position as a major global energy hub could also create opportunities for Venezuelan officials to engage directly with international oil and mining companies considering investments in the country.
The Venezuelan delegation’s presence is therefore expected to provide Caracas with greater access to international energy stakeholders while supporting Washington’s efforts to expand oil supply and secure new energy partnerships amid disruptions to global crude flows.
Russia is also expected to send representatives to the energy ministerial, according to officials.
