The Russia-Ukraine war and concerns over Venezuela supplying arms to Russia were part of Former British prime minister Boris Johnson’s talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He had flown down to Venezuela on an unofficial visit to hold talks with its autocratic leader, Nicolás Maduro, according to a report in Sunday Times. The purpose of the visit, according to the British daily was to hold talks regarding Russia-Ukraine war, amid concerns that the South American country would supply weapons and military aid to Russia. The talks also featured conditions for trying to normalise relations with the UK, which does not accept the legitimacy of Maduro’s administration. The former PM’s office said that foreign secretary, David Cameron, was aware of the visit. Foreign Office officials have said that there was no permission sought or required for the visit.
Venezuela-West Relations
The talks come at a time when there is a wider uncertainty about Western relations with Venezuela, which will go to polls in July. The government is under strong international pressure to hold a free and fair election, to release activists and political opponents it has detained, and to de-escalate tensions with Guyana, its neighbour. The visit is unusual given that the former PM is no more a part of the government. But he has been seen trying to revive his political career through the international relations route. The former PM visited Kyiv and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion. The South American country has been a backer of the Russian government and blamed the Ukraine War on NATO.
Johnson’s Maduro Meeting: Nothing ‘Official’ About It
According to the newspaper, Johnson travelled to Caracas and stayed there for less than 24 hours cutting short his family holiday in the Dominican Republic. His spokesperson told The Guardian that Boris Johnson met Venezuelan government officials with active support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the knowledge of the foreign secretary, in order to emphasise the need for Venezuela to embrace a proper democratic process. Officials told the BBC that Johnson received a briefing in the British embassy residence in Caracas before his meeting and that he then debriefed embassy officials afterwards.
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