The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has extended its congratulations to the people of the United States and President-elect Donald Trump following his victory in the presidential election held on November 5, 2024.

In an official statement, the Venezuelan government emphasized its readiness to foster positive relations with the US administration, highlighting a commitment to dialogue and mutual respect.

"Venezuela will always be willing to establish good relations with US governments, framed in a spirit of dialogue, respect, and reasonableness," the statement read.

"The recognition of sovereignty and people's self-determination are fundamental for the construction of a new world where balance prevails among free nations," it asserted.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela congratulates the people of the United States of America for the presidential elections held on November 5, 2024, and President-elect Donald J. Trump for his victory in that process @abstvradio @allnewsreports pic.twitter.com/1iETtoxRmP

— Embassy of Venezuela in Antigua and Barbuda (@EmbaVEAntigua) November 6, 2024

The message from Caracas recalled the historical ties between the Venezuelan and American peoples, expressing a shared aspiration to work toward peace and social justice.

The Venezuelan government called for a future free from war, exclusion, and discrimination, advocating for cooperation and mutual respect as the foundation of international relations.

Invoking the legacy of Simon Bolívar, the statement reaffirmed Venezuela's commitment to diplomacy centered on peace and dialogue, reflecting a hopeful outlook for the bilateral relationship under the incoming US administration.

Venezuela's plight amid ongoing sanctions

The country has for years suffered severely from US sanctions, which have caused several economic hardships, including hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and a sharp decline in living standards for its population.

Earlier this year, Venezuela made a hopeful bid to join the BRICS organization in an effort to gain some relief from sanctions.

However, during the last BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, Venezuela's application was vetoed, notably by Brazil, citing a "breach of confidence," as explained by Brazilian President Lula's senior advisor and former foreign minister, Celso Amorim.

The news of the veto came as a big shock for Caracas, after which the country's Attorney General Tarek William Saab accused Lula of faking an accident to sidestep a crucial BRICS summit so that Brazil's veto could come into force.

Saab said "direct sources" informed him that Lula staged his accident as a calculated excuse to avoid the summit, thereby facilitating Brazil's veto against Venezuela's BRICS membership bid.

Read more: Venezuela accuses Lula of staging accident to justify BRICS veto