Venezuelan delegation in New York seeks debt and energy deals

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez led a Venezuelan delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York to negotiate debt restructuring and seek financial aid for economic recovery from international bodies like the IMF, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank. These talks, alongside potential transfers of gold reserves and discussions on democratic and social reforms, aim to stabilize Venezuela's economy and advance its political transition amid ongoing challenges.

A Venezuelan delegation led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez arrived in New York on Monday to participate in the United Nations General Assembly and engage in discussions with various international organizations and officials regarding Venezuela’s economic challenges. The delegation's visit marks Rodriguez’s first trip to the United States since assuming the interim presidency in January, following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.

During the visit, Rodriguez met with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Ilan Goldfajn, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. These discussions are primarily focused on debt restructuring, financial assistance, and rebuilding Venezuela’s key sectors, particularly energy and mining. Venezuelan officials are seeking support to regain control over overseas assets and secure financing critical for economic recovery.

Venezuela announced plans in May to restructure its sovereign debt alongside that of its state oil company, PDVSA, with total liabilities estimated between $150 billion and $200 billion by analysts. In preparation, legal and financial advisors formed a committee last month to unite companies holding claims against Venezuela, aiming to coordinate creditor engagement and representation for upcoming negotiations.

The IDB is developing a two-year engagement plan for Venezuela, concentrating on electricity, social protection, and investments in various sectors. Goldfajn noted that the plan includes missions to assess Venezuela’s macroeconomic data and investment needs. Discussions with the IMF included efforts to address earthquake recovery and reconstruction, as highlighted by Georgieva on social media.

Separately, the Venezuelan government and a faction of the opposition are reportedly close to an agreement to transfer approximately $4 billion in gold reserves from the Bank of England to the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Rodriguez also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss economic reforms, debt restructuring, dialogue initiatives, and cooperation on human rights and democratic progress. The UN highlighted these talks as part of the broader path toward full democracy in Venezuela.

In parallel, Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister Felix Plasencia held meetings with UK officials, including discussions on democratic transitions, human rights, and post-earthquake recovery efforts. Plasencia also met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura. Segura expressed confidence that US companies can contribute to Venezuela’s economic revival by encouraging investor confidence and creating jobs.

The engagements during the UN General Assembly reflect international efforts to support Venezuela’s economic stabilization amid ongoing political complexities, with various stakeholders involved in seeking solutions to the country’s financial and infrastructural challenges.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.