Maduro says to meet with U.S. president over regional matters

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Wednesday he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss regional matters.

Maduro made the remarks during his virtual speech at the General Debate of the 75th session of UN General Assembly.

Highlighting Venezuela as a country having the largest oil reserves in the world, the fourth-largest gas reserves and rich gold reserves, the president said these resources have caught the attention of "oligarchs in Washington" who want to control his country.

Maduro said a drone assassination attempt on him in Caracas was prepared and funded from the United States and that he wants a special UN rapporteur to carry out an independent investigation into the attack.

Meanwhile he confirmed the intention to meet with Trump, saying that while Venezuela is peaceful and friendly and appreciates the culture, art and social life of the United States, it is against the "imperialists in Washington."

In an interview with Axios in late June, Trump said that he would consider meeting with Maduro.

The United States has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Maduro government.