HOUSTON, TEXAS — Venezuela is participating this week in G20 energy ministerial meetings in Houston as a special guest, despite not being a member of the group — a striking diplomatic gesture from Washington that formalizes — and legitimizes — on a global stage, just how far U.S.-Venezuela relations have shifted since Nicolás Maduro’s capture in January.
The United States, which holds the G20’s rotating presidency this year, opened a series of energy ministerial meetings on Monday, September 15, running through Wednesday in Houston, Texas — the U.S. state widely regarded as the world’s energy capital.
The gathering, organized around the theme of “energy abundance,” brings together delegations from the G20’s largest economies, including China, India, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, with Russia also expected to participate.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed that Venezuela would attend alongside G20 member countries, describing the moment in geopolitical terms: “This is about the geopolitical center of oil moving out of the Middle East.”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who has played a central role in Washington’s energy dealings with Caracas, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are also attending.
The ministerial serves as a lead-up to the main G20 leaders’ summit, which Trump will convene in December — in Miami.
Why Venezuela, and Why Now?
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity since the full delegate roster had not been released, said the administration believes Venezuela needs to be part of global conversations on energy abundance and security.
The official noted that because Houston hosts many of the oil and mining firms already in talks over potential business in Venezuela, the country’s presence at the ministerial could help facilitate further dealmaking.