as his administration authorized five major oil companies to operate in the country. "I'm going to make a visit to Venezuela," Trump told reporters on Friday, adding that the date had not yet been decided.

The comments followed a visit to Caracas  this week by Trump's energy secretary and came as his administration lifted additional US sanctions that had blocked oil industry investment in the South American country.

On Friday, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) granted general licenses to BP, Chevron, Eni, Repsol, and Shell, authorizing transactions related to oil and gas sector operations in Venezuela, subject to certain conditions.

The oil industry has expressed interest in the petroleum-rich country, while cautioning that the timeframe for investment depends on having clear rules following expropriations by earlier governments.

The two-page general license issued by OFAC requires that any payments in oil and gas royalties be made to accounts designated by the US Treasury Department. This is consistent with statements from the Trump administration that Washington will manage assets in custody for the benefit of Venezuela.

Trump and top appointees, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have been direct in characterizing Washington as a party that will control Venezuela's oil resources for the foreseeable future.

A second OFAC license issued Friday permits companies to negotiate potential contracts for certain investments in Venezuela. However, the US agency will continue to bar participation by several countries, including China, Iran, and Russia.

"These general licenses invite American and other aligned companies to play a constructive role in supporting economic recovery and responsible investment," a Trump administration media note said, describing the OFAC move as part of Trump's commitment to "rapidly" reopen the oil industry.

"The United States is committed to restoring Venezuela's prosperity, safety, and security for the benefit of both the American and Venezuelan people."

Separately, the State Department announced Friday that it has sent more than six tons of medical supplies to Venezuela to help stabilize the country. (Bssnews)