Nicolas Maduro expresses desire to meet Donald Trump

Maduro said during his UN speech on Wednesday that he was willing to shake hands with Trump, despite their differences.

Trump had earlier, in the same place slammed Venezuela and its socialist approach.

The US President had urged world leaders to forego socialism and embrace nationalism.

"Not long ago, Venezuela was one of the richest countries on Earth. Today, socialism has bankrupted the oil-rich nation and driven its people into abject poverty. Virtually everywhere socialism or communism has been tried, it has produced suffering, corruption, and decay. Socialism’s thirst for power leads to expansion, incursion, and oppression. All nations of the world should resist socialism and the misery that it brings to everyone," he said.

At least six nations have accused Venezuela of mistreating its people.

The US has hinted at military actions apart from imposing sanctions.

However, showing his eagerness in meeting the US President, the Venezuelan leader said: "Despite the differences... I would be willing to reach out my hand to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to discuss matters bilaterally."

He even criticised US' way of bossing the world.

Maduro slammed the US for "giving order to the rest of the world as though the world were its own property". 

Venezuela, which is presently going through hyperinflation, has caused South America's largest exodus in its history.

An estimated 2.3 million citizens have left the country in order to avoid poor health, power cuts and economic crisis.

Image: UN Photo/Cia Pak