South American diplomatic relations with Venezuela

Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various South American nations have seen divergent developments. In September 2026, Chile and Venezuela began restoring ties following a meeting between Chilean President José Antonio Kast and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez at the United Nations General Assembly. This move aims to normalize consular services and address the migration crisis, with Chile appointing a new consul general in Caracas to facilitate the process.

In contrast, tensions have escalated between Uruguay and Venezuela. Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin stated that Uruguay will not restore relations as long as Delcy Rodríguez remains in power, describing her as “as illegitimate as Maduro.” He indicated that normalization would require elections confirmed by an independent court. Lubetkin noted that the political situation has not fundamentally changed following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January and the subsequent appointment of Rodríguez as acting president.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia has responded by condemning the remarks as an “inadmissible intrusion” into internal affairs and criticizing the stance as reflecting “obsolete and arrogant visions.” In a formal rejection of Uruguay’s position, Plasencia emphasized that Venezuela’s political future will be determined exclusively by its people in accordance with the country’s Constitution and legal framework.