Against the backdrop of escalating conflict with the US, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has confirmed his readiness for dialogue with the American administration.

“Only diplomacy and dialogue allow for mutual understanding on topics of shared interest,” the Venezuelan president said during the Plus with Maduro program on Venezolana de Television—and responding to the journalist’s question about possible negotiations with US President Donald Trump.

Maduro recalled that Venezuela’s position is outlined in a letter sent to Trump on September 6. “This is an unchanging, historical stance of strict adherence to international law and rejection of threats of force, which is stated in that letter,” Maduro explained. “Anyone who wants to talk to Venezuela does so face to face,” Maduro added.

“Peace has no alternative,” the Venezuelan president emphasized. “Dialogue, call, yes. Peace, yes. War, no. Never, never war,” Maduro added in English, noting that this is Venezuela’s unwavering position.

Washington accuses the Venezuelan authorities of not making sufficient efforts to combat drug trafficking.