Trump, Rodríguez Discuss Venezuela Debt, Elections

Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez used her first U.S. visit since taking office to pursue debt restructuring, financing and investment agreements aimed at rebuilding the country’s economy and key industries. She met with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, where discussions included stabilizing Venezuela’s economy and restoring institutions needed for free and fair elections. Rodríguez also held talks with leaders of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on macroeconomic planning, electricity, social protection, payments and access to overseas assets. Venezuela’s sovereign and state oil-company debt is estimated at $150 billion to $200 billion, and advisers are organizing creditors ahead of restructuring negotiations. The IMF said it would support recovery efforts after June earthquakes, while Venezuela has drawn $346 million from its reserve tranche for reconstruction and is seeking additional access to IMF resources. Critics argue the Trump administration is prioritizing oil, mining and investment deals with Rodríguez’s government over demands for elections and engagement with the opposition.