(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro said that he was open to dialogue with US President Donald Trump over issues creating tensions between the two countries.
Speaking to Venezuelan official media, Maduro expressed his desire to hold face-to-face talks with President Trump, following the latter's stated willingness to hold dialogue over contentious issues.
He asserted that diplomacy was the only way to resolve matters between countries and governments and that armed conflict would create further problems.
The White House had affirmed previously that all options were considered regarding Venezuela, including military action.
Deputy Press Secretary of at White House Anna Kelly told a US media outlet that President Trump was willing to hold talks with anyone, amid expectations that discussions with Maduro would focus on easing tension between the two countries.
Last month, President Trump threatened impending military action against narcotics gangs outside US territory, in line with US operations targeting of drug cartels from Latin America.
The US military's targeting had caused tension with Venezuela and Colombia, which announced last week that they will hold intelligence cooperation with the Washington over drug trafficking. (end)
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