Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Colina Machado described Thursday’s meeting with US President Donald Trump as “historic” and “extraordinary.”

“What is happening now is historic, not only for the future of Venezuela, but also for the future of freedom in the world,” Machado said.

Machado told U.S. senators in a separate meeting that the opposition’s focus is on making Venezuela “a free and safe country and the strongest ally the United States has ever had in the region.”

“We are a deeply pro-American society,” Machado added.

He said the Trump administration understands the need for a “new, real electoral process” that will rebuild institutions, protect human rights and free speech, and encourage Venezuelans to return to their homeland.

“I have insisted, and will continue to insist, that Venezuela has a new president, and I am very proud to work with him,” he said of opposition candidate Edmundo González.

The United States previously recognized Mr. González as the next president following Venezuela’s disputed 2024 elections, but the country is currently run by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was a deputy to Mr. Nicolás Maduro before being detained by the United States. President Trump has previously indicated that he doesn’t think Machado is respected enough to govern in Venezuela, and White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said as talks began that Machado’s views had not changed.

“If Venezuela becomes free, millions of Venezuelans will return of their own free will,” the opposition leader said.

She added that President Trump is very concerned about “the safety of the Venezuelan people” and “kids who can’t go to school because teachers are paid just $1 a day.”

Machado did not provide details about the specific agreements discussed during the meeting or next steps.