USA Maduro describes phone call with Trump as "respectful"
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has commented for the first time on his recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, describing it as "respectful" and "cordial". "I received a phone call and spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump," Maduro said in a speech broadcast on state television.
04.12.2025, 06:31
SDA
The conversation took place "in a tone of respect". He expressed the hope that it could be a step "towards a respectful dialog" between the two countries, which have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2019.
Trump had recently confirmed that he had spoken to Maduro on the phone. However, he did not reveal any details about the content of the conversation. Maduro's rosy rendition of the conversation seems hard to believe: the US government has recently made it clear that it no longer wants to see the autocratic Maduro in power.
Maduro: "Welcome dialog, welcome diplomacy"
So far, he has remained silent "out of caution", as there are issues that "must remain silent until they arise", said Maduro. "Welcome dialog, welcome diplomacy," he continued in English. "Peace - yes. War - never, never in my life," Maduro continued.
Trump has been toughening his tone and approach towards the South American country for weeks. The USA has not only gathered additional soldiers in the Caribbean and deployed several warships to the region, including the world's largest aircraft carrier. Trump also authorized covert operations by the CIA foreign intelligence service in Venezuela.
According to the US, the deployment of the military is aimed at combating drug trafficking. More than 80 people have already been killed in attacks on alleged smuggler boats. Critics see the US action as a violation of international law, while Trump's government speaks of a legitimate fight against "drug terrorists". There are also voices that suggest a forced change of power in Venezuela and American interest in the country's rich oil reserves as the central motive.
