The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has appointed Félix Plasencia, until now the charge d'affaires in the United States, as the country's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, after dismissing Yván Gil, who will now take over the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Rodríguez announced on social media that "I have decided to merge the Ministries of Popular Power for Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade, which will form the new Ministry of Popular Power for Relations and Foreign Trade," thus creating a single structure for the diplomatic and commercial action of the Venezuelan Executive.
Regarding Plasencia, the interim leader has highlighted his "extensive experience in diplomacy," entrusting him with the responsibility of conducting Venezuela's foreign policy, safeguarding national sovereignty, consolidating cooperation ties, and promoting the so-called diplomacy of peace internationally.
Upon learning of his appointment, the new head of Venezuelan diplomacy stated that he assumes the position "with deep honor and a high sense of responsibility," while expressing his gratitude for the "trust" placed in him in a context he described as "historic and fundamental" for the country.
In the same message, Plasencia added: "I reiterate my full commitment to Venezuela, the defense of its sovereignty, the integral development of our people, and the strengthening of our diplomacy of peace, with a view to building solid ties of cooperation, mutual respect, and solidarity with all the peoples of the world."
Regarding the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rodríguez confirmed the transfer of Yván Gil to the Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology, entrusting him with the task of "continuing to promote scientific development, innovation, and technological transformation" for the benefit of Venezuelan citizens and the "growth of the nation."