The ambassadors appointed by Venezuela and Nicaragua presented their credentials to King Felipe VI, signaling a turning point in long-standing tensions between Spain and the two Latin American nations. Coromoto Godoy Calderon, a 57-year-old Venezuelan diplomat and lawyer, was designated as Venezuela’s new head of mission to the Kingdom of Spain. Maurizio Gelli, age 64 and of Italian descent with recent Nicaraguan naturalization, was announced as Nicaragua’s new ambassador to Spain.
Officials described the move as a reaffirmation of commitment to work on bilateral relations and to renew friendship and cooperation with Spain. accompanying photography of the encounter with King Felipe VI circulated on social media, with a message calling the gesture a “poem for peace” on the platform X by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In pictures from the event, Godoy Calderon is shown engaging with Spanish officials as the new Venezuelan ambassador to Madrid. He has been active in the Venezuelan foreign service for more than twenty years and has previously led missions in Trinidad and Tobago and India. During his first year in Spain, he appears to have taken on responsibilities as a diplomatic representative, including involvement in humanitarian and consular matters such as facilitating the return of Venezuelan citizens and coordinating with Spanish authorities on regional issues.
Five-year diplomatic conflict with Venezuela
The most recent serious diplomatic disagreements between Spain and Venezuela began in 2018, when the Spanish ambassador in Caracas was expelled and declared persona non grata by the Maduro government. The dispute was framed by Spain as a response to what it described as political repression and irregularities surrounding electoral processes. The Spanish government subsequently refrained from recognizing certain parliamentary elections that year, though the diplomat later returned to Caracas. In 2020, the crisis intensified as Spain withdrew its ambassador in protest, and both sides explored pathways toward stabilization amid sanctions and economic challenges facing Venezuela.
During this period, Spain signaled a shift by gradually engaging again with the Venezuelan authorities. Negotiations continued behind the scenes toward restoring normal diplomatic channels, including discussions on political and economic normalization, while domestic challenges in Venezuela, such as poverty and political polarization, remained pressing. The process reflected broader regional dynamics, where countries sought to balance principle with practical diplomacy.
In the interlude, Spain welcomed other Venezuelan officials who had faced scrutiny within their own government. The broader context included moves by Spanish authorities to bolster regional dialogue and support for peaceful resolution while monitoring human rights and rule of law considerations in Venezuela.
Within this evolving backdrop, in late December a new Spanish ambassador to Venezuela was announced, with Ramón Santos Martínez stepping into the role he had held since 2021. Foreign ministers from both sides emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and supporting prospects for political and economic normalization in Venezuela, framed as a constructive step toward regional stability.
Separately, Spain also acknowledged historical pressure points in its relationship with Venezuelan leadership and other actors in the region, recognizing the need to balance diplomatic engagement with governance concerns and regional security considerations. The Venezuelan authorities continued to face international scrutiny over governance and civil liberties, which influenced how dialogue progressed with Madrid and other capitals.
Diplomatic channel with Nicaragua
The situation with Nicaragua presents a different landscape. Daniel Ortega’s government has pursued a hardline stance against political opposition for several years, including arrests and trials viewed by observers as lack of due process. Amnesty International has highlighted concerns about political prisoners and democratic space during this period. In this context, the appointment of Maurizio Gelli as Nicaragua’s ambassador to Spain marks a resumption of formal diplomatic engagement after a period without a Nicaraguan ambassador in Madrid since 2022.
The Spanish government has indicated openness to broader engagement, including efforts to address humanitarian and human rights concerns while supporting dialogue with regional actors. In related moves, Spain granted citizenship to a group of Nicaraguans exiled by the Ortega regime, signaling a gesture of solidarity with those who had faced political persecution. The process continues as ministries review applications and assess long-term bilateral cooperation prospects with Nicaragua and its government in Madrid.
Gelli’s reception by King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace underscored Spain’s interest in maintaining channels for dialogue and cooperation with Nicaragua. As with other diplomatic exchanges, the emphasis remains on building trust, supporting rule of law, and encouraging constructive engagement across political divides, even when domestic circumstances in Nicaragua remain challenging for civil liberties and political pluralism.
The spirit of these credential ceremonies reflects a broader aim: to restore regular diplomatic contact and pursue common interests in trade, security cooperation, cultural exchange, and humanitarian collaboration. While the obstacles in both bilateral relationships are real, the public display of updated credentials signals a shared preference for stable, predictable diplomacy and a long-range outlook for regional peace and stability.
In summary, the arrival of new ambassadors with renewed commitments to cooperation marks a significant step in the evolving diplomatic landscape between Spain and its Latin American partners. Observers will watch closely how these conversations unfold in the months ahead, with attention to the balance between national sovereignty, democratic governance, and international partnership. Notes from diplomatic briefings attribute these developments to a deliberate strategy of engagement, mutual respect, and a renewed sense of regional solidarity that aspires to improve the lives of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.