US sends delegation to Venezuela to explore restoring diplomatic ties.

A small U.S. team of diplomats and security officials traveled to Venezuela to assess a possible reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas; Venezuela acknowledged the visit and said it will send a delegation to the United States, without specifying timing.

The United States and Venezuela said they are exploring the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations after a U.S. delegation traveled to Venezuela on Friday. The small team included diplomats and diplomatic security officials who made a preliminary assessment about potentially re-opening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Venezuela acknowledged the visit and said it will send a delegation to the United States, without giving a date. The Venezuelan government announced it will begin an exploratory diplomatic process aimed at re-establishing missions in both countries. Known details: - A small U.S. delegation of diplomats and diplomatic security officials arrived in Venezuela to make a preliminary assessment about reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. - The State Department described the visit as a preliminary assessment related to the potential re-opening of the embassy. - Venezuela acknowledged the U.S. diplomats' travel and announced it will send a delegation to the United States, but did not provide a date. - The Venezuelan government said it will initiate an exploratory diplomatic process aimed at re-establishing diplomatic missions in both countries. Summary: The visit represents an initial, exploratory step toward re-establishing formal diplomatic ties between the two governments. Venezuelan officials announced a reciprocal delegation to the United States but gave no date. Undetermined at this time.