CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas on Thursday for two hours, according to a U.S. official. The meeting, which occurred "at President Trump's direction," aimed to establish trust and communication following the U.S. seizure of Venezuela's former president, Nicolás Maduro, almost two weeks prior, the official stated.

Ratcliffe and Rodríguez discussed potential economic collaboration and the need to prevent Venezuela from serving as a "safe haven for America's adversaries," the U.S. official said. The meeting coincided with Rodríguez's first state of the union address since assuming the interim presidency.

During her address, Rodríguez announced reforms to the oil industry designed to attract greater foreign investment, a departure from the policies of her predecessor, Maduro. She also stated her willingness to engage with the U.S. "diplomatically through political dialogue," while emphasizing Venezuela's commitment to defending its "dignity and honour."

President Trump has indicated that U.S. oil companies would move into Venezuela, generating revenue for both the Venezuelan people and the United States. A senior official added that the U.S. would control the oil.

The meeting and Rodríguez's policy shift suggest a potential realignment of Venezuela's economic and political strategies under its new leadership. The extent to which these changes will be implemented and the long-term impact on U.S.-Venezuelan relations remain to be seen. The U.S. official did not elaborate on specific details of the potential economic collaboration discussed. Further announcements are expected following continued discussions between the two nations.