Venezuela Closes Embassies in Norway and Australia, Opens New Missions in Africa Amid Western Tensions
Caracas, Venezuela - In a significant restructuring of its diplomatic presence, Venezuela has announced the closure of its embassies in Norway and Australia, while simultaneously establishing new diplomatic missions in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe. The move, described by President Nicolas Maduro's administration as a strategic realignment, aims to redirect resources toward strengthening ties with key international partners in Africa.
The Venezuelan government stated that consular services for its citizens in Norway and Australia will continue through other diplomatic missions, with further details to be announced soon. Norway's foreign ministry confirmed receiving notification of the embassy closure but noted that no specific reason was provided by Caracas. The ministry expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing Norway's desire to maintain open dialogue with Venezuela despite differences on several issues.
The announcement follows the recent awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her efforts to promote democracy in the country. Machado's dedication of the award to US President Donald Trump drew significant international attention to Venezuela's ongoing political challenges. The Norwegian foreign ministry clarified that the Nobel Prize is independent of the government, referring all questions about the award to the Nobel Committee. Kristian Berg Harpviken, secretary of the committee, emphasized that the embassy closures had no influence on the selection process, affirming Machado as a deserving recipient of the prestigious award.
Venezuela's decision to open embassies in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe reflects its intent to deepen ties with what it calls "sister nations" and strategic allies in the Global South. The government highlighted these partnerships as part of a shared commitment to resisting hegemonic pressures and advancing anti-colonial efforts. The new missions will prioritize collaboration in critical sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, and education, aiming to foster mutual development and cooperation.
This diplomatic shift comes amid heightened tensions with the United States, which has accused Venezuelan ships of involvement in drug trafficking and conducted military strikes near the Caribbean coast. Venezuela strongly condemned these actions, appealing to the United Nations and warning of the potential for further armed escalation. President Maduro has repeatedly accused the US of pursuing regime change, while Washington has labeled his administration a "narco-state" and established a new counter-narcotics task force under its Southern Command to oversee operations in Latin America.
As Venezuela recalibrates its foreign policy, the closure of embassies in Western nations and the expansion of its diplomatic footprint in Africa signal a broader pivot toward alliances that align with its ideological and strategic priorities. The international community continues to watch closely as these developments unfold, with implications for Venezuela's role on the global stage.