Venezuela has reacted warmly to a US overture seeking better relations but urged Washington to recognise that left-wing President Hugo Chavez's government was democratic, stable and independent.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell said Monday the United States was looking forward to improving ties with one of its biggest oil suppliers following Mr Chavez's victory in a recall referendum on his rule in August.
His remarks were one of the clearest signs so far that Washington was seeking a reconciliation with the populist Mr Chavez, who frequently attacks President George W. Bush as an "imperialist" seeking to dominate the world.
He has accused Mr Bush of meddling in Venezuela and of trying to overthrow him.
"We also want to have excellent relations with the United States," Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel said.
He added Venezuela was ready to rebuild a relationship that has been strained by US officials openly questioning Mr Chavez's commitment to democracy and criticising his close friendship with Cuba.
Washington has also accused Mr Chavez's government in the past of not doing enough to help fight terrorism.
But Mr Rangel said Venezuela 's had an "impeccable" co-operation record in combating drug-trafficking and terrorism and in being a reliable supplier of oil to the United States. He said both sides should try to avoid attacking each other in public.