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Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has appointed a new foreign minister nearly three weeks after a series of devastating earthquakes killed more than 4,500 people and caused widespread destruction across the country.
Rodriguez announced the appointment on her Telegram channel, naming Venezuela‘s ambassador to the United States, Felix Plasencia, as the country’s new foreign affairs chief.
Plasencia succeeds Yvan Gil, who had served as foreign minister since 2023. No official reason was given for the leadership change.
The appointment comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes, which flattened entire neighbourhoods, displaced thousands of residents and triggered a massive humanitarian response.
Authorities have been coordinating rescue efforts, emergency relief operations and reconstruction plans in the affected areas, while also seeking international support for recovery.
As the country’s new top diplomat, Plasencia is expected to play a key role in strengthening Venezuela’s diplomatic engagements, mobilising humanitarian assistance and managing relations with foreign governments during the recovery process.
His experience as Venezuela’s head of mission in Washington is expected to support the government’s international outreach at a time when the country faces significant humanitarian and diplomatic challenges.
The government has pledged to continue supporting victims of the disaster while accelerating rebuilding efforts in the hardest-hit communities.
