Texas: US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Venezuela could eventually join the United States as the 51st state, highlighting expanding energy cooperation between Washington and Caracas.

Speaking to supporters during a midterm election rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, Trump declared, "I want to thank Venezuela, where our relationship has become very, very good, a great one."

During his speech, the American leader revealed that the initial shipment of 1 million barrels of complimentary Venezuelan crude oil,secured via a bilateral accord, had arrived in the US.

Underlining the economic and strategic importance of the delivery, Trump stated, "This historic win gives us control over a massive part of the world's oil supply."

He elaborated on the domestic processing plans for the imported energy resources, adding, "It will be refined here in Texas, including right here in Corpus Christi."

Pointing to economic shifts within the South American nation, Trump asserted that foreign capital investments were creating local employment opportunities.

Expanding on the strengthening bilateral ties and resource exchanges, he said, "We're bringing out a lot of oil for ourselves, a lot. It will become a prosperous country, and who knows? Maybe someday soon it will become a prosperous 51st state. That's possible."

Reiterating the proposed political arrangement later in his address, the US President sketched out an alternative governance framework for the country: "Let's make it. Let's make it the 51st state. And instead of a President, we'll have an election for a governor. How about that? You know, they have a lot of oil."

Building upon these statements, the US leader has previously raised comparable suggestions regarding international territories. Earlier this year, Trump indicated he was "seriously considering" incorporating the South American nation into the Union, mirroring previous comments he had voiced regarding Canada.

ANI