Trump says U.S. making progress after call with Venezuela’s new president

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is making progress in its relationship with Venezuela following a phone call with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez.

Speaking during a signing ceremony at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he had held a “long call” earlier in the day with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez and said the two sides are “getting along really well,” adding that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is involved in ongoing discussions.

Trump described Rodriguez as “a terrific person” with whom the United States has worked well. He said the conversation covered “a lot of things” and suggested it marked an improvement in bilateral relations.

Earlier, Trump said in a social media that the two discussed oil, minerals, trade, and national security. “We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover,” Trump wrote.

Rodríguez confirmed the call in a statement issued by the Venezuelan presidency, saying she held a “long, productive and courteous” telephone conversation with Trump. She said the discussion addressed a bilateral work agenda “for the benefit of our peoples,” as well as pending issues between the two governments.

In a later statement, Rodríguez said Venezuela is entering “a new political moment” that allows for understanding despite political and ideological differences.