VENEZUELA is open to negotiating an agreement with the US to combat drug trafficking, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday.

In an interview with a Spanish journalist, Mr Maduro reiterated that the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves.

“What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force,” Mr Maduro said, later saying that it is time for both nations to “start talking seriously, with data in hand.”

“The US government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” he said.

“If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for US investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”

Chevron is the only major fossil fuel company exporting Venezuelan crude oil to the US, and Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

The interview was taped on New Year’s Eve, the same day the US military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats.

The latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes to 35 and the number of people killed to at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. Venezuelans are among the victims.

US President Donald Trump claims the attacks are necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the country.

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Meanwhile, the CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area that it claims has been used by Venezuelan drug cartels.

Asked about the operation on Venezuelan soil, Mr Maduro said he could “talk about it in a few days.”