France–Venezuela relations
Bilateral relations
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History
France and Venezuela have had diplomatic relations since the 19th century, with France recognizing Venezuela's independence, but their interactions have fluctuated, influenced by political changes.
During the 1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts, the French Government "immediately signalled its refusal to accept a breakdown in institutional legitimacy.[1]
A key part of French-Venezuelan history included the 1980s when Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, also known as "Carlos the Jackal," a Venezuelan-born militant, organized deadly attacks including bombings on trains and in Paris.[2]
In the 21st century, relations were impacted by Venezuela's political crises under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Since the Venezuelan presidential crisis started in 2019, France has supported Juan Guaidó. In February 2019, France joined major EU countries and United States in recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.[3]
State visits
President Hugo Chávez met French President Jacques Chirac on three occasions in October 2002, March 2005 and October 2005.[1][4]
In 2007, Chávez visited French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss the situation of hostage Ingrid Betancourt held in Colombia.[5][6][7][AI-retrieved source] French President Nicolas Sarkozy also visited Venezuela, meeting with President Hugo Chávez to discuss energy, trade, and political issues.[8]
In 2008, President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Venezuela to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly regarding oil trade and economic cooperation.[9][AI-retrieved source]
In September 2008, Chávez again visited Sarkozy and Chávez said he sought aid from "friendly" countries like France, in exchange for "Venezuelan energy".[10]
In 2010, Sarkozy reciprocated with a visit to Caracas.[11]
President François Hollande visited Venezuela in 2013, reaffirming France's commitment to dialogue with Latin American nations.[7][12]
Economic relations
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Agreements
In October 2008, the Venezuelan and French Foreign Ministers signed 10 agreements on cooperation including bilateral cooperation on energy, military, telecommunications, tourism and fight against drug trafficking.[13]
French investment
France has been a significant investor in Venezuela, particularly in the energy sector. Companies like Total and Renault have established a presence in Venezuela, particularly in oil exploration and vehicle manufacturing.[8]
In 2000, French company Pechiney signed an agreement with the Venezuela government to invest USD 260 million over three years to expand state-owned bauxite and alumina.[14]
As of 2005, French oil company TotalEnergies was the largest foreign investor in Venezuela.[15] In 2005, Total commenced negotiations with the Venezuelan Government over a possible US$5 billion project to develop heavy oil in eastern Venezuela.[16] In April 2006, the Venezuelan government seized control of foreign owned oil fields including those operated by Total.[17]
Political relations
Relation with Carlos the Jackal
The president Hugo Chávez is known to have had a sporadic correspondence with convicted terrorist Carlos the Jackal from the latter's prison cell in France. Chávez replied, with a letter in which he addresses Carlos as a "distinguished compatriot".[18][19][20] On 1 June 2006, Chávez referred to him as his "good friend" during a meeting of OPEC countries held in Caracas.[21]
On 20 November 2009, Chávez publicly defended Carlos, saying that "he is wrongly considered to be a bad guy and is to be praised as a key revolutionary fighter, instead."[22]
France summoned the Venezuelan ambassador and demanded an explanation. Chávez, however, declined to retract his comments.[23]
French response to the 2019 Venezuelan Crisis
France strongly condemned the Maduro government during the 2019 crisis, calling for a peaceful transition of power.[9]
French President Emmanuel Macron sent a tweet stating that if an election was not called in 8 days, France recognise Juan Guaidó as the "President in charge".[24][25] Macron also called the 2018 Venezuelan presidential election "illegitimate". France was among the European Union countries to support Juan Guaidó as the interim president if free elections were not held. France condemned the human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis, offering support for Venezuelan refugees and urging dialogue within Venezuela.[26][27][28] Macron also imposed sanctions on Venezuela and boycotted Nicolás Maduro's swearing in as President of Venezuela, as with the rest of the EU. France also voiced opposition to the U.S. intervention in Venezuelan affairs, advocating for a multilateral approach to solving the crisis.[9]
French oil company Total S.A. evacuated all of its staff in Venezuela after US imposed sanctions, shortly after EU countries imposed sanctions and recognised Guaido as interim President.[29]
French response to 2025 US–Venezuela tensions
In December 2025, Jay Dharmadhikari, who serves as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations Security Council, stressed the importance of adhering to international law in the fight against drug trafficking in light of the growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela.[30]
French response to the 2026 United States strikes in Venezuela
In January 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, French President Macron formally called for Edmundo González to lead a "peaceful, democratic" transition in Venezuela.[31] Macron praised the removal of the "Maduro dictatorship," stating that the Venezuelan people "can only rejoice" at being rid of his rule.[32][33] While condemning Maduro's regime, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot simultaneously criticized the U.S. military action that deposed him.[34]
Investigatory relations
Plane Crash Investigation
In 2005, A Colombian jetliner carrying 152 French citizens crashed in Venezuela while en route to Martinique. Investigators from Venezuela, France, and Colombia collaborated on the inquiry, with French President Jacques Chirac expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.[35]
French Hostage Rescue
In 2004, Venezuelan police freed French-Spanish student Stéphanie Miñana, who had been kidnapped near Caracas. A police raid resulted in the deaths of two captors. Miñana, reportedly traumatized, was rescued after a ransom negotiation attempt.[36]
Cocaine Seizure in France
In 2013, French police seized 1.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard an Air France cargo flight from Caracas, marking France's largest-ever drug bust. Authorities worked with Spanish, British, and Dutch police to arrest multiple suspects and emphasized the need for international cooperation against drug trafficking.[37]
