Visit to Venezuela aims to cement Qatar's status in conflict mediation

Qatar moves to deepen its status as a reliable key mediator in international disputes by forging ties with the new leadership in Venezuela at a time when the United States seeks greater influence over the South American country’s oil sector.

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar, in Caracas this week to discuss ways to boost bilateral relations during the emir’s visit.

Rodríguez said the two leaders reviewed a “comprehensive cooperation roadmap” and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing “a shared agenda that drives new opportunities for development and benefits for both peoples,” particularly in areas like agriculture and investment.

Qatar has played a diplomatic role in recent months, serving as an intermediary between the United States and Venezuela and aiding negotiations that involve the Venezuelan government and opposition factions, as highlighted by AL-Monitor. 

This includes instances both before and after the US military operation on January 3 that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, who was subsequently transferred to New York to face criminal charges in front of a US court. 

Doha earlier said it was ready to assist international efforts aimed at peaceful resolution and has helped Caracas obtain “proof of life” of Maduro after his capture, according to Venezuelan officials.

Qatar had expressed “deep concern” about Maduro’s removal but declared its “full readiness” to work toward a peaceful solution. Since Maduro’s ouster, the country has sought to broker dialogue between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan oil revenues have been deposited into a US-controlled account in Qatar earlier this year, a step seen as part of efforts to manage the sector’s transition and ensure US oversight of proceeds.

The new Venezuelan government has sought to cooperate more closely with the United States, especially on energy issues. In January, it passed legislation to attract foreign investment in its oil sector, and Washington eased sanctions on Venezuelan energy operations to encourage increased American involvement and investment.

Qatar, a major non-NATO ally of the United States, has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator in global conflicts. Alongside Egypt and the United States, it played a role in brokering a ceasefire between the Hamas militant group and Israel last October. 

The Gulf state maintained friendly relations with Venezuela before last month’s events and hosted Rodríguez for talks with Emir Tamim and Qatar’s Prime Minister earlier in 2025. Maduro’s last visit to Doha took place in 2022.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, economic trade between the two nations remains limited. Venezuela exported goods worth just $303,000 to Qatar in 2023 — mostly dried legumes — and no recent data on Venezuelan imports from Qatar has been released.

By Nazrin Sadigova