President Donald Trump assured this Thursday that the relationship between the United States and Venezuela is going through one of its best moments, highlighting the growth of the Venezuelan oil industry and the strengthening of economic ties between both countries, despite the fact that the South American nation faces the consequences of the earthquakes registered last week.

During an interview with journalist Joe Kernen of CNBC, Trump affirmed that Venezuela is experiencing a favorable stage in energy matters and assured that international companies are increasing their presence in the country.

"Our relationship with Venezuela is excellent. They are doing better than ever with oil," declared the president, who added that the United States is also receiving an important part of Venezuelan oil production.

The statements occur in a context of rapprochement between Washington and Caracas after the political changes that occurred in Venezuela earlier this year, when Nicolás Maduro was arrested and the government led by Delcy Rodríguez promoted reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, especially in the hydrocarbon sector.

Oil production shows signs of recovery

U.S. officials have highlighted recent growth in Venezuelan crude oil production. The United States charge d'affaires in Venezuela, John Barrett, reported in early June that exports reached 1.25 million barrels per day, the highest level recorded by the country in seven years.

According to data from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Venezuelan production increased 27.6% between January and May, reflecting a recovery driven by the opening of the sector to new investments.

The state company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) also recently confirmed that it is maintaining negotiations with the United States to market volumes of oil under a scheme that it described as strictly commercial and transparent. Trump made reference to this scenario by stating that large companies are coming to Venezuela again and maintained that energy cooperation benefits both nations.

Earthquakes generate uncertainty about recovery

Although the president highlighted Venezuela's economic and oil performance, during the interview he did not refer to the impact of the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes recorded on June 24. According to the most recent official balance, the earthquakes left at least 2,295 people dead and more than 11,000 injured, in addition to significant damage in several regions of the country.

However, US authorities indicated this week that the main oil and gas facilities did not suffer significant structural damage. The head of the Southern Command, General Francis Donovan, and the chargé d'affaires John Barrett indicated that the energy infrastructure continues to operate normally.

Likewise, representatives of the Venezuelan industrial sector reported that close to 80% of manufacturing capacity remains in operation, despite the effects of the natural disaster.

The United States is among the countries that have sent humanitarian aid to support emergency and reconstruction efforts in Venezuela. However, analysts consider that the economic cost derived from the tragedy could represent a challenge to maintain the pace of economic recovery and the growth of the oil industry during the rest of the year.