Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for what she described as “goodwill” in restoring diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Venezuela.

Rodríguez delivered the remarks during a ceremony marking the signing of a new national mining law, recently approved by the National Assembly of Venezuela. The legislation rolls back longstanding restrictions on the mining sector and introduces measures aimed at attracting foreign investment, including from U.S. companies.

The policy shift follows a major political development earlier this year, when Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was arrested in a U.S.-backed operation in Caracas. Rodríguez, who had served as vice president under Maduro, has since taken on a leading role in the country’s transitional government.

In her remarks, Rodríguez said U.S. engagement had helped open the door to renewed cooperation and economic recovery, emphasizing efforts to rebuild Venezuela’s industries after years of economic decline.

Relations between Washington and Caracas had been strained for years under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, whose socialist policies and confrontational stance toward the United States led to diplomatic and economic isolation.

Since the leadership change, Venezuelan officials have worked with the Trump administration on a multi-phase plan focused on stabilization, economic recovery, and political transition. U.S. officials, including senior representatives from the Departments of Interior and Energy, have traveled to Caracas in recent weeks for talks on energy cooperation and investment.

The mining reform follows earlier changes to Venezuela’s hydrocarbons laws, which similarly opened the country’s oil sector to foreign participation after years of state control and declining production.

At a congressional hearing on Latin America, State Department official Michael Kozak said the initial phase of U.S. engagement with Venezuela had been completed and that efforts are now focused on economic recovery and political reconciliation, stressing the role of U.S. leverage in the process.

In a further sign of shifting conditions, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank announced they have resumed engagement with Venezuela after a years-long break, signaling renewed international involvement in the country’s economic future.

Rodríguez described the renewed international ties as a diplomatic achievement and credited multiple countries for supporting the process, as Venezuela moves to rebuild its economy and reenter global financial systems.