The executive director of the American oil company Chevron, Mike Wirth, defended the continuity of the company’s operations in Venezuela, stating that its presence has been constructive for both the United States and Caracas, amid the climate of political and diplomatic tension that the Donald Trump administration faces with the government of Nicolás Maduro.
In an interview with Cnbc, Wirth noted that Venezuelan heavy crude oil continues to be highly demanded by US refineries and highlighted that energy cooperation between both nations “can serve as a bridge in times of political friction.”
“We believe that regional trade and foreign investment are a vehicle for countries to work together,” said the executive, emphasizing that Chevron’s intelligence and security personnel “constantly monitor the situation in the country.”
The businessman’s statement coincides with a complex geopolitical context in the region. Since the beginning of September, Washington has deployed a campaign of military operations against vessels allegedly linked to drug smuggling in the Caribbean and the Pacific, which according to official data has left at least 62 dead and the destruction of 14 ships and a semi-submersible.
Despite increased military and diplomatic pressure, President Donald Trump on Friday ruled out the possibility of direct attacks against Venezuela, although his administration has maintained a firm stance against the activities of the Chavista regime.
Chevron, which has operated in Venezuela for more than a century, maintains a significant presence in the Orinoco Oil Belt through joint ventures with Petróleos de Venezuela.
In this regard, energy analysts consider that his stay in the country responds not only to economic interests, but also to a strategy of the White House to preserve its influence in the Venezuelan energy sector, in the event of an eventual political change in the South American country.
