CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas on Thursday in what U.S. officials described as an effort to build trust and cooperation between the countries.

Ratcliffe discussed potential economic collaboration and emphasized that Venezuela should no longer serve as a safe haven for U.S. adversaries, including narcotraffickers.

The visit was directed by President Donald Trump and comes after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, leaving Rodríguez as the country’s interim leader.

The meeting reflects Washington’s interest in shaping Venezuela’s future and fostering a working relationship with Rodríguez rather than pushing only opposition figures, CNN has reported.

Rodríguez has navigated a delicate balance between engaging with the U.S. and addressing internal political dynamics following Maduro’s ouster.