(FILE) Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the appointment of internationalist Félix Plasencia, who has extensive experience in diplomacy, as new Minister of Foreign Relations and Trade. Photo: EFE.

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced this Monday the merger of the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade ministries, appointing seasoned diplomat Felix Plasencia to lead the newly unified cabinet portfolio.

The Bolivarian Government consolidated both institutions into a single structure named the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign and Foreign Trade Relations.

This strategic administrative reorganization aims to streamline state functions, optimize public resources, and integrate commercial and diplomatic initiatives under a cohesive international policy framework.

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The newly unified Ministry of Foreign and Foreign Trade Relations will be led by Felix Plasencia, while former foreign minister Yván Gil takes over the Science and Technology portfolio to drive national development.

Acting President Rodriguez highlighted that Félix Plasencia, an internationalist with extensive diplomatic experience, has the official mission to direct Venezuela’s foreign policy, defend national sovereignty, strengthen strategic cooperation agreements, and promote peace diplomacy across the globe.

Plasencia previously served as foreign minister and has held various high-level diplomatic posts representing the South American nation.

Anuncio al país que he decidido fusionar los Ministerios del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores y Comercio Exterior, que pasarán a conformar el nuevo Ministerio del Poder Popular de Relaciones y Comercio Exterior. pic.twitter.com/NG2sRfEBY6

— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) July 13, 2026

Text reads: “I am announcing to the country that I have decided to merge the People’s Power Ministries for Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade, which will form the new People’s Power Ministry of Foreign Relations and Trade.…To lead this new stage, I appointed the internationalist Félix Plasencia, who has extensive experience in diplomacy and will have the mission to direct Venezuelan foreign policy, defend our sovereignty, strengthen cooperative relations and boost peace diplomacy in the world.“

fortalecer las relaciones de cooperación e impulsar la diplomacia de paz en el mundo.

Agradezco a Johan álvarez, quien pasará a cumplir nuevas responsabilidades.

— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) July 13, 2026

Text reads: “Thank you to Johan Alvarez, who will take on new responsibilities.”

The Venezuelan Acting President also expressed her gratitude to Johan Alvarez, who formerly served as the head of Foreign Trade, and announced that he will assume new responsibilities within the public administration in the coming days.

Cabinet Restructuring Announced

This structural transformation comes as the country accelerates its recovery and reconstruction efforts following the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes of June 24. By merging diplomatic and trade portfolios, the Bolivarian Government seeks to maximize the efficiency of international cooperation and secure strategic investments necessary for the Venezuela Rises national reconstruction plan.

The unification of foreign relations and foreign trade reflects a modern approach to economic diplomacy, allowing the State to negotiate trade agreements and receive humanitarian assistance with greater agility. This consolidated approach will strengthen Venezuelan position within multilateral blocks such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America.

The strategic shift also aims to bypass the obstacles created by illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed against the nation, fostering new commercial alliances under the principles of South-South cooperation and mutual development.

Anuncio la designación de Yván Gil como nuevo Ministro del Poder Popular para Ciencia y Tecnología, con la responsabilidad de seguir impulsando el desarrollo científico, la innovación y la transformación tecnológica al servicio de nuestro pueblo y del crecimiento de la nación. pic.twitter.com/0It9DD6ofm

— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) July 13, 2026

Text reads: “I announce the appointment of Yvan Gil as the new People’s Power Minister for Science and Technology, with responsibility to continue driving scientific development, innovation and technological transformation in service of our people and the nation’s growth.”

Science Portfolio Reassigned

In a concurrent appointment, Acting President Rodriguez designated Yván Gil as the new Minister of People’s Power for Science and Technology. Gil, who previously served as the Minister for Foreign Relations, will transition into this strategic sector to leverage his broad international perspective and administrative experience.

Yván Gil will be responsible for driving scientific development, innovation and technological transformation to serve the Venezuelan people and boost national economic growth. Earlier on Monday, in his capacity as minister, Gil welcomed two Mexican navy vessels carrying 341 tons of humanitarian aid at the La Guaira port, demonstrating his active role in coordinating high-level emergency responses.

The Acting President also extended her deepest appreciation to Gabriela Jiménez for her dedication, commitment, and valuable work at the helm of the Science and Technology Ministry, where she significantly contributed to strengthening Venezuela’s national scientific capabilities during her tenure.

The Cabinet reorganization underscores the Bolivarian Government’s adaptability in times of contingency, aligning its diplomatic, commercial and scientific leadership to guarantee stability, defense of sovereignty, and the progressive development of the country.

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