Venezuela closes embassies in Norway and Australia, opens new ones in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe
Tehran - BORNA - The move is part of a reorganization of its foreign service amid rising tensions with the United States. In a statement on Monday, the Venezuelan government described the closures as a "strategic reallocation of resources."
It added that consular services for Venezuelans in Norway and Australia will still be available through other diplomatic missions.
The government emphasized that the new embassies will foster joint projects in agriculture, energy, education, mining, and other areas of mutual interest.
This announcement comes shortly after Norway’s Nobel Committee announced Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
It also followed weeks of escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington, which prompted Venezuela to call on the UN for support over several deadly US military strikes on vessels off its Caribbean coast.
Norway's foreign ministry confirmed it received notification of the embassy closures but was not provided a reason.
Norway, which does not have an embassy in Venezuela, conducts local affairs through its embassy in Colombia.
A spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating, “This is regrettable. Despite our differing views, Norway wishes to maintain an open dialogue with Venezuela.”
Venezuela's decision comes in the context of escalating tensions with the US, following military strikes on vessels off its Caribbean coast, which the US claims were drug trafficking operations.
Venezuela has sought support from the United Nations, asserting the threat of potential armed attacks.
Caracas indicated that the newly established embassies in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe will strengthen ties with nations that oppose colonialism and hegemonic pressures. These countries are seen as allies in promoting shared interests against perceived external threats.
Machado, a Venezuelan politician notorious for advocating American and Israeli military intervention in her country, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize this weekend.
The committee rebuffed US President Donald Trump despite his intense lobbying. Still, it ended up giving it to someone who has aggressively supported and promoted the US “regime change” project in Caracas.
For many worldwide, the decision underscores how Western governments continue to manipulate moral symbols to advance their nefarious political agendas.
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