Diplomatic Meetings

State Department PR Office
February 10, 2006

Question: The Venezuelan Ambassador claims that he has not been able to meet with anyone at State for several weeks. Is that true? Have we refused to meet with him? If so, why?

Answer: Generally, foreign ambassadors in Washington maintain regular contact with the desk officer and office director responsible for bilateral relations with their country. The respective deputy assistant secretary is always available to meet with an ambassador. Meetings with assistant secretaries and more senior State Department officials are less frequent. At his request, the Venezuelan Ambassador met with the Director and Deputy Director for the Office of Andean Affairs as recently as January 23. Assistant Secretary Shannon spoke extensively with Ambassador Alvarez during a January 25 lunch. The State Department welcomes meetings with Venezuela.

Click here to see the state department press release