Venezuela appoints Félix Plasencia as foreign minister in government reshuffle

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 11:47

By: Azzat Manal

Venezuela appoints Félix Plasencia as foreign minister in government reshuffle

Venezuela has appointed veteran diplomat Félix Plasencia as the country's new foreign minister as part of a broader government restructuring aimed at strengthening the country's diplomatic and trade agenda.

The announcement was made by the Venezuelan leadership, which also confirmed the merger of the ministries responsible for foreign affairs and foreign trade into a single institution. Officials said the new structure is intended to improve coordination between Venezuela's diplomatic initiatives and its international economic strategy.

Plasencia brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role. Throughout his career, he has represented Venezuela in several key countries and has previously served as foreign minister. His diplomatic background includes assignments in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, providing him with broad experience in international negotiations and bilateral relations.

As part of the cabinet reshuffle, former Foreign Minister Yván Gil was appointed to lead the Ministry of Science and Technology, marking a shift in responsibilities within the Venezuelan government.

The appointment comes at a time when Venezuela continues to navigate complex international relations while seeking to expand economic cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties with regional and global partners. Foreign policy remains a key priority as the country works to address economic challenges and increase international engagement.

Recent humanitarian developments have also influenced Venezuela's diplomatic agenda. Following a powerful earthquake that affected parts of the country, several international partners announced assistance to support emergency response and recovery efforts, highlighting the importance of international cooperation during humanitarian crises.

Political analysts say the appointment of an experienced diplomat such as Plasencia reflects the government's intention to reinforce its presence on the international stage while pursuing closer diplomatic and commercial engagement with foreign governments.

The restructuring of the foreign affairs portfolio is expected to play an important role in shaping Venezuela's future international strategy, combining diplomacy, trade, and economic cooperation under a unified institutional framework.