Maduro described the conversation as respectful and cordial. He said that if this call means steps are being taken toward a respectful dialogue – state to state, country to country – then Venezuela welcomes dialogue, welcomes diplomacy, because his country will always seek peace.

President Trump on Sunday confirmed the telephone conversation with Maduro without providing any details.

“I don’t want to comment on that – the answer is yes,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One when asked whether the call had taken place.

In recent months, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, saying it aims to counter suspected drug-trafficking activities coming from Venezuela. Caracas has rejected those accusations and called Washington’s actions a destabilizing move in the region.