The United States has resumed operations at its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, ending a seven-year closure and marking a renewed phase in diplomatic relations between both countries.

In a statement released on Monday, the US State Department described the reopening as the beginning of a new chapter in its diplomatic presence. It noted that restoring full operations would enhance direct engagement with Venezuela’s interim authorities, as well as civil society and the private sector.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed recent developments in the country, pointing to growing stability and signs that economic activity is gradually returning. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he acknowledged the efforts of the interim leadership but stressed the importance of a full transition to democratic governance, without specifying a timeline.

Rubio noted that Venezuela must achieve political stability through democratic means in order to fully realise its economic potential.

The US embassy in Caracas was shut down in March 2019 after Washington and several Western and Latin American allies rejected the legitimacy of then-president Nicolas Maduro following a disputed election widely criticised for irregularities.

Recent political changes, including Maduro’s removal from power earlier this year, paved the way for the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of the embassy, which is seen as a key step in rebuilding ties and strengthening cooperation between both nations.