For a number of years, Norway acted as a facilitator of the negotiations between the Venezuelan Government and the opposition on finding a political and inclusive solution to the conflict, at the request of both parties. The negotiation process was launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties in Mexico City in 2021. A number of agreements were subsequently entered into, including a social agreement in 2022 and the Barbados Agreement in 2023, which established conditions for the presidential election in 2024, intended to ensure that it would adhere to international standards. The election was not carried out in line with democratic standards.

Below is a summary of the most important milestones in the Venezuelan negotiation process leading up to the presidential election in 2024.

Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, on the presidential election in Venezuela. 2 August 2024

State Secretary Kravik visited Caracas, 2 – 3 april 2024

State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Caracas on 2 – 3 april 2024.

Negotiations resumed 19 February 2024

During the sixth round of negotiations in Caracas, Venezuela, the parties discussed the electoral calendar for this year’s presidential election.

Agreement on procedure for candidates, 30 November 2023 

Following the fifth round of negotiations, which took place in Bridgetown, Barbados, Norway announced on 30 November 2023 that the parties had agreed on procedure for candidates who wish to stand for election. 
 

Negotiations resumed, 17 October 2023

During the fifth round of negotiations in Bridgetown, Barbados, the parties agreed on a joint statement and signed two partial agreements.

Negotiations resumed, 26 November 2022

During the fourth round of negotiations in Mexico City, the parties agreed on a joint statement and reached a partial agreement.

The Oslo Forum, 21 – 22 June 2022

21 and 22 June 2022, the Heads of Delegation of the Bolivarian Government of Venezuela and the Unitary Platform of Venezuela participated at the Oslo Forum. On that occasion, Norway published two tweets:

Negotiations suspended, 16 October 2021

The negotiation process was suspended on 16 October 2021 when the government decided not to participate in the upcoming round of negotiations, with reference to the extradition of Alex Saab from Cape Verde to the United States.

Third round of negotiations, 25 – 27 September 2021

During the third round of negotiations in Mexico City, the parties agreed on a joint statement.

Second round of negotiations, 3 – 6 September 2021

During the second round of negotiations in Mexico City, the parties agreed on a joint statement and reached two agreements.

Launch of new negotiations, 13 August 2021

Exploratory talks between the two parties since March 2021 resulted in the launch of a new negotiation process on 13 August in Mexico City. There, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out the visions, agenda and format for comprehensive negotiations. Norway is facilitator of the negotiations, while Mexico is host nation and the Netherlands and Russia participate as accompanying countries.

The parties aim to negotiate effectively to achieve inclusive and lasting results for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. They have agreed to conduct consultations with political and civilian actors during the process. At the same time, it is desirable that the sensitive nature of the negotiations is respected in order to allow the parties to progress.