?

CARACAS -- Venezuela has decided to initiate an "exploratory" diplomatic process with the US government, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Friday in an official statement.

In the statement posted on his social media account, Gil said the talks are intended to "address the consequences arising from the aggression" and the US seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The exploratory dialogue will also cover "a working agenda on issues of mutual interest," the ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry added that in this context, a delegation of US State Department officials is currently in Venezuela.