World

Venezuela's Rodriguez taps Washington envoy for new foreign ministry post

By Reuters Reuters
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the media following the June 24 earthquakes that struck the country, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 2, 2026. REUTERS/Marian Carrasquero
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the media following the June 24 earthquakes that struck the country, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 2, 2026. REUTERS/Marian Carrasquero Marian Carrasquero Reuters

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Monday said she had tapped the nation's envoy to the U.S. for a new post dealing with foreign relations and trade abroad.

Felix Plasencia, a longtime ally of Rodriguez, had been serving as her representative in Washington since February. He also served as foreign minister under Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington captured in January.

Plasencia will replace Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, who will now serve as science and technology minister, Rodriguez said in a separate post to Telegram.

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Natalia Siniawski)

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia gestures as he speaks during a news conference on the situation of the Embassy of Venezuela in Bolivia, at the Foreign Ministry office, in Caracas, Venezuela January 19, 2022. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia gestures as he speaks during a news conference on the situation of the Embassy of Venezuela in Bolivia, at the Foreign Ministry office, in Caracas, Venezuela January 19, 2022. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria LEONARDO FERNANDEZ VILORIA Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 5:31 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER