Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed he spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump last month amid rising tensions and a U.S. military buildup in the region.

Maduro described the call as “cordial” and emphasized diplomatic prudence, saying he prefers handling sensitive matters quietly rather than through public statements.

He expressed hope that the conversation could be a step toward “respectful dialogue” and reiterated Venezuela’s commitment to peace, sovereignty, and independence.

Trump confirmed the call but offered few details, citing concerns over drug trafficking from Venezuela, Al-Jazeera has reported, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The phone call comes amid escalating U.S. pressure, including naval deployments, strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, and threats of military action, which Maduro says are a pretext to target Venezuela’s oil resources.