Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was still flying back from Venezuela when the Trump administration made it official: The US would re-establish diplomatic relations with the South American country, seven years after suspending operations at its embassy in Caracas.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says the U.S.-Venezuela energy partnership is moving at "Trump speed" toward a "golden age of abundance" as American companies show interest.

"The United States and Venezuela's interim authorities have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations," the State Department said in a statement. "This step will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela."

March 4 (Reuters) - U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was meeting with Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday afternoon, after arriving in the South American country earlier in the day,

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum traveled to Venezuela to explore a rare earth minerals partnership as the Trump administration seeks alternatives to China.

The U.S. and Venezuela's interim authorities agreed to restore diplomatic ties in a major shift in their relations, the State Department announced Thursday.

Exclusive: FOX Business correspondent Edward Lawrence has the latest on Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's visit to Venezuela to forge rare earth mineral and energy deals on 'America Reports.'

Venezuela's interim president made the announcement after meeting with US interior minister Doug Burgum at the presidential palace.