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 will move into Venezuela, generating revenue for both the Venezuelan people and the United States. A top official added that the U.S. would contribute.

The meeting and subsequent announcements suggest a potential shift in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, particularly concerning economic policy and foreign investment. The reforms proposed by Rodríguez could open Venezuela's oil sector to international companies, potentially boosting the country's struggling economy.

The U.S. seizure of Maduro and the subsequent meeting between Ratcliffe and Rodríguez represent a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. The future of U.S.-Venezuelan relations will likely depend on the implementation of Rodríguez's proposed reforms and the willingness of both countries to engage in constructive dialogue. The BBC and Reuters contributed to this report.