Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro asserted on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump should concentrate on domestic social problems, stating that Venezuela is fully capable of managing its own affairs.
“Seventy percent of his speeches and statements are about Venezuela,” Maduro said, addressing Trump. “Where are his people going? What jobs should he be creating? Let him take care of his country’s internal affairs. We here in Venezuela will take care of and resolve our own issues.”
Maduro argued that the American people “voted against foreign interventions, against endless wars, and against regime change—for a new America that is more humane, respects sovereignty, doesn’t engage in further interventions, and doesn’t lead countries into war.” He emphasized that “a president cannot be thinking about another country or other countries and how to govern them,” but must focus on mobilizing their own nation’s resources.
Highlighting Venezuela’s economic trajectory, Maduro pointed to “20 consecutive quarters of sustainable growth at 5%,” with a projection to reach 8% this year. He reiterated that “Venezuela is a country always ready for dialogue, conducted respectfully and calmly.”
Amid heightened tensions, Maduro explicitly committed to honoring Venezuela’s contract with the American energy giant Chevron. “The contract with Chevron will be fully honored, irrespective of any temporary or circumstantial disputes we may have with the current U.S. administration,” he stated, adding that Venezuela honors all contracts it signs.
Addressing international partners, Maduro assured, “I assure our allies in China, India, and Europe, as well as the investors already present in the country, that Venezuelan lands are open for investment and food production.”
Background of Escalating Tensions
This exchange occurs amidst sharply rising tensions between the two nations. The United States has recently imposed a comprehensive embargo on Venezuela and designated its government a “foreign terrorist organization.”
In response, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has condemned Trump’s threats, vowing not to allow foreign interference. It asserted Venezuela’s right to freedom of navigation and sovereignty over its natural resources, accusing Trump of seeking “to impose an irrational naval blockade on Venezuela with the aim of plundering the country’s wealth.”
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)