Venezuela Shifts Diplomacy: Embassies in Norway and Australia to Close, Focus Turns to Africa

 

Venezuela announced it will close its embassies in Norway and Australia as part of a sweeping diplomatic restructuring. The government of President Nicolás Maduro described the move as a “strategic re-assignation of resources,” aimed at strengthening alliances in Africa.

In place of the closures, Venezuela will open new embassies in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, which officials called “sister nations and strategic allies” in the fight against colonial and hegemonic pressures.

Consular services for Venezuelans in Norway and Australia will continue through other diplomatic missions, with details to be provided in the coming days.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions with the United States and follows weeks of geopolitical maneuvering. Norway’s foreign ministry confirmed the closure of the embassy in Oslo, while Australian officials have yet to comment publicly on the development.

This shift underscores Caracas’ intent to reconfigure its global presence, prioritizing regions it views as more aligned with its political and economic vision.