Venezuela Closes Embassies in Norway and Australia Amid Diplomatic Restructuring
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro declared on Monday that the Bolivarian government is closing its embassies in Norway and Australia as part of a diplomatic restructuring initiative. The regime refuted any connection between this decision and the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to opposition leader María Corina Machado, reports 24brussels.
Foreign Minister Yván Gil emphasized that the primary aim of this reorganization is “to optimize state resources” while redefining Venezuela’s diplomatic presence “to strengthen alliances with the Global South.”
“As part of the strategic redeployment of resources, it has been decided to close the embassies in the Kingdom of Norway and Australia. Bilateral relations and consular services in these countries will be carried out efficiently through cumulative diplomatic missions,” he stated.
Additionally, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced the establishment of diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, describing these locations as “platforms” for collaboration in sectors such as mining and energy.
The official communiqué asserted that these efforts align with the “inalienable principles of self-determination and respect for international law,” and reflect a commitment to “defend national sovereignty and actively contribute to the construction of a new world order based on justice, solidarity, and inclusion.”
Since the announcement of Machado’s Nobel Prize on Friday, Chavista leaders have largely refrained from comments, although one Sunday referred to her as a “demonic witch.” Maduro further stated that Venezuelans do not seek peace in the face of imperialism, referring to Machado’s advocacy for U.S. military intervention to remove him from power.
Norway’s Ministry of Children and Families expressed disappointment over the embassy closures. Senior Communication Advisor Cecile Roang stated, “We have received information from the Venezuelan embassy that they are closing the embassy, without giving any reason. This is regrettable.”
Roang added, “Although we have different views on several issues, Norway wants to keep the dialogue with Venezuela open and will work to achieve this. The Nobel Prize is independent of the Norwegian government, and when it comes to questions about the prize, we refer to the Nobel Committee.”
