As pressure mounts on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a reported ultimatum from Donald Trump, attention is turning to potential escape routes for the embattled leader. Among the countries that could offer refuge, Turkey stands out as a particularly likely destination—a relationship underscored by Ankara's role in brokering the recent Trump-Maduro phone call alongside Brazil and Qatar.
The Turkey-Venezuela relationship has deepened significantly over the past decade, built on mutual opposition to Western pressure and shared economic interests:
Gold for Survival: When US sanctions crippled Venezuela's economy, Turkey emerged as a crucial lifeline. Between 2018 and 2019, Venezuela exported billions of dollars worth of gold to Turkey, helping Caracas circumvent financial restrictions. Turkish banks and intermediaries facilitated transactions that kept hard currency flowing to the Maduro regime.
Personal Bonds: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Maduro have cultivated a close personal relationship, exchanging visits and public displays of solidarity. Erdogan has consistently refused to recognize opposition claims to Venezuela's presidency, standing by Maduro during the 2019 crisis when over 50 countries backed Juan Guaidó.
Trade and Food: Turkey has been a significant source of food imports for Venezuela during its humanitarian crisis, with Turkish companies filling gaps left by departed Western firms.
Turkey's Track Record as a Refuge
Turkey has demonstrated willingness to host controversial figures at odds with Western governments. Erdogan's administration has resisted extradition requests and offered sanctuary to various political actors—a pattern that could extend to Venezuelan officials seeking immunity.
The fact that Maduro reportedly demanded "global amnesty" and "worldwide immunity from prosecution" during his call with Trump suggests he is already weighing exit strategies. Turkey's limited extradition agreements with Western nations and Erdogan's defiant posture toward Washington make it an attractive option.
The Limits of Turkish Hospitality
However, several factors complicate a potential Turkish refuge. Firstly, Turkey's own economic vulnerabilities make it susceptible to US secondary sanctions
Secondly, Erdogan must balance his relationship with Maduro against broader diplomatic considerations with Washington Hosting Maduro could escalate tensions with the Trump administration at a sensitive time
Photo: China Daily