CARACAS, Venezuela, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Private talks occurred this week that could lead to a top U.S. envoy visiting Venezuela and warmer relations between the two nations, it was reported Wednesday.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro and Thomas Shannon, the top U.S. diplomat for the Americas, had a "very cordial" encounter when the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York Monday, Mercopress reported. Shannon indicated his interest in visiting Caracas, the news agency said.
The ministry's statement said the private conversation between Maduro and Shannon -- their first ever -- also covered Venezuela's efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by rebels in Colombia, including three U.S. citizens.
Relations between the two countries have been chilly in recent years, with the U.S. government viewing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of being a destabilizing force in the region, while Chavez accuses the administration of President George Bush of having imperialistic goals.
