Machado congratulates De la Espriella and says Venezuela will soon follow suit

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado congratulated Colombia's newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella on Friday, the day of his inauguration. In a message on her X account, Machado said that Venezuela would "very soon" embark on a process of institutional and democratic strengthening similar to the one unfolding in Colombia. The two leaders expressed their desire to work together to ensure national sovereignty, safety, and prosperity for their respective nations.

De la Espriella responded to Machado's congratulatory message two days later, emphasizing the strong historical ties between Colombia and Venezuela. He expressed his hope for a future where both countries could move forward together, with strong institutions, freedom, security, and prosperity for their people. He also reaffirmed Colombia's support for Venezuelans and those defending democracy and freedom.

The exchange between Machado and de la Espriella comes as talks between the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez and a segment of the Venezuelan opposition proceed in Caracas. The negotiations, led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez and former lawmaker Dinorah Figuera, are backed by the United States government and will run through August 12. Machado and another opposition figure, Edmundo González Urrutia, are not participating in these talks.