Boris Johnson flew to Venezuela for unofficial talks
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson privately met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last month, following an unsanctioned flight to Venezuela that took place while he was vacationing in the Caribbean.
The BBC learned that the UK government did not fund this trip. Johnson's spokesperson stated the visit aimed to stress the importance of democratic processes in Venezuela.
Details surrounding who arranged or financed the trip remain undisclosed. The UK, though lacking an ambassador to Venezuela, maintains a diplomatic presence there.
Johnson, no longer a government official, briefed the British Embassy in Caracas and subsequently debriefed them post-meeting. His engagement is notable amid strained UK-Venezuela relations and rising global calls for fair Venezuelan elections and improved relations with neighboring countries, including Guyana, with whom Venezuela has a territorial dispute.
The UK has shown military support for Guyana following Venezuela's sovereignty claims over the resource-rich Essequibo region, increasing international tension. Despite an agreement for fair elections with international observers in Venezuela, the opposition leader remains barred, prompting the US to reinforce sanctions.
Since leaving Downing Street in September 2022, Johnson has kept a high international profile, including unannounced visits to Kyiv and meetings with leaders in Israel and Ukraine on significant anniversaries or after important events. He resigned as an MP in June 2023 after his frequent travels were criticized for causing him to miss parliamentary votes.
Details surrounding who arranged or financed the trip remain undisclosed. The UK, though lacking an ambassador to Venezuela, maintains a diplomatic presence there.
Johnson, no longer a government official, briefed the British Embassy in Caracas and subsequently debriefed them post-meeting. His engagement is notable amid strained UK-Venezuela relations and rising global calls for fair Venezuelan elections and improved relations with neighboring countries, including Guyana, with whom Venezuela has a territorial dispute.
The UK has shown military support for Guyana following Venezuela's sovereignty claims over the resource-rich Essequibo region, increasing international tension. Despite an agreement for fair elections with international observers in Venezuela, the opposition leader remains barred, prompting the US to reinforce sanctions.
Since leaving Downing Street in September 2022, Johnson has kept a high international profile, including unannounced visits to Kyiv and meetings with leaders in Israel and Ukraine on significant anniversaries or after important events. He resigned as an MP in June 2023 after his frequent travels were criticized for causing him to miss parliamentary votes.
