Summary
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, conducted an official visit to Turkey on June 8, 2026, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace. The visit, attended by senior ministers from both countries, centered on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding cooperation in energy and mining, and boosting trade. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to existing memoranda of understanding in oil, gas, and gold mining, and announced the creation of a Turkey-Venezuela Business Council to facilitate new commercial ventures. Discussions also addressed alternative financial mechanisms to bypass sanctions and enhance bilateral commerce. The visit reflects the evolving partnership between Turkey and Venezuela, rooted in diplomatic ties established in 1950 and deepened significantly since 2016, with trade, energy, and political alignment as key pillars. While no entirely new agreements were signed during the visit, both sides emphasized the acceleration of ongoing projects and mutual support in international forums.
Detailed Report
1. High-Level Meeting in Istanbul: Delegations and Purpose
Delcy Rodríguez arrived in Istanbul on June 7, 2026, following a diplomatic tour in India. She was received by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar and other senior officials. The central event was a formal meeting with President Erdoğan at Dolmabahçe Palace on June 8. The Turkish delegation included Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and ministers responsible for energy, trade, and technology. Rodríguez was accompanied by Venezuela’s foreign minister and sector vice presidents for science, technology, and tourism, among others. The official purpose was to review and deepen the strategic partnership, expand cooperation in key sectors, and exchange views on regional and global developments, according to statements from both governments and coverage by Anadolu Agency and Middle East Eye.
2. Meeting Agenda: Energy, Trade, and Strategic Cooperation
The agenda focused on increasing bilateral trade, with both sides reiterating a target of $3 billion in annual trade volume. Discussions covered expanding collaboration in energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, and technology. Energy cooperation was a top priority, with talks on accelerating the implementation of memoranda of understanding signed in February 2024, which grant Turkish companies access to Venezuelan oil, gas, and gold mining projects. The delegations also addressed technology transfer, tourism promotion, and educational exchanges, reflecting a broadening of the partnership beyond traditional sectors.
3. Announced Agreements and Joint Statements
While no entirely new agreements were signed during the visit, both governments issued a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to existing MOUs in energy and mining. The communiqué announced the creation of a Turkey-Venezuela Business Council to identify new opportunities in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. Both sides pledged to explore alternative payment mechanisms, including local currencies and digital platforms, to facilitate trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar. Public statements emphasized a “new era” in bilateral relations and mutual support in international organizations.
4. Background: Evolution of Turkey-Venezuela Relations
Turkey and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in 1950, but the partnership gained strategic depth after 2016, following Venezuela’s support for Turkey during the failed coup attempt. High-level visits by both presidents and the signing of the Trade Development Agreement in 2018 marked a turning point. The TDA, in force since 2020, grants tariff preferences and facilitates trade in industrial and agricultural products. Bilateral trade volumes have fluctuated, reaching over $1 billion in 2018 and stabilizing at lower levels in recent years. Turkish exports include machinery and food products, while Venezuela exports gold, oil, and agricultural commodities. The relationship is anchored in shared positions on sovereignty, non-interference, and multipolarity, with both countries coordinating in multilateral forums such as the United Nations.
5. Venezuela’s Role in Turkey’s Latin America Policy
Venezuela is a cornerstone of Turkey’s broader engagement with Latin America, serving as a gateway for Turkish investment and influence in the region. The partnership allows Turkey to diversify its economic and diplomatic options, while Venezuela benefits from Turkish investment, technology, and diplomatic support amid ongoing sanctions and political transition. The relationship is characterized by pragmatic, interest-driven diplomacy, with both sides seeking to maximize economic gains while navigating complex international dynamics.
Conclusion
Delcy Rodríguez’s June 2026 visit to Turkey underscores the resilience and strategic depth of Turkey-Venezuela relations. The high-level talks reaffirmed ongoing cooperation in energy and trade, introduced new mechanisms for business collaboration, and highlighted mutual support in international forums. While no major new agreements were signed, the visit signals a continued commitment to deepening the partnership in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.