CARACAS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela on Thursday announced the restoration of diplomatic and consular relations with the United States.
The move comes after a sustained diplomatic dialogue process between the two parties, in which they agreed to resume institutional ties and move toward a new stage of bilateral cooperation.
The Venezuelan government indicated that the process will be guided by the principles of mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation between peoples.
It expressed willingness to promote a "constructive dialogue" that will strengthen mutual understanding and offer opportunities for a positive relationship.
The Venezuelan government depicted the step as part of a political dialogue that different sectors of the country maintain to strengthen coexistence, peace and national understanding.
Also on Thursday, the U.S. State Department announced that the two sides have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations.
Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. All diplomatic personnel of the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela withdrew in March 2019.
On Jan. 3, U.S. military forces launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife before transporting them to the United States.
On Jan. 31, a U.S. diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, resuming diplomatic contacts between the two countries. ■
