Trump highlights Venezuelan oil growth, calls Caracas 'new friend and partner'

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump on Friday touted the surge in crude oil exports linked to Venezuela, describing the energy flows as beneficial for both countries.

Speaking at an event in the state of Texas, Trump said crude oil exports are up by hundreds of thousands of barrels a day from Venezuela.

"Think 80 million barrels of oil. Think of what that means,” he said. “It's great for Venezuela, and it's great for us.”

After months of heightened tensions, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, triggering a series of developments, including Delcy Rodriguez being sworn in as interim president, changes to the country’s flagship oil law and the release of some political prisoners.

Trump said the US has "a very good" relationship with Venezuela now.

"With our new friend and partner, Venezuela, we're going to do a lot of other things. We're going to be doing a lot. We're having a great relationship with their government,” he said. “In fact, 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude are right now sitting in the tanker on my left.”