'We need to lift relations' with Colombia - Venezuela President Maduro

FILE PHOTO: People cross the Simon Bolivar international bridge, which is open for humanitarian crossings, as Venezuela reopens its borders with Colombia after a nearly three-year closure due to political tensions, in Cucuta, Colombia October 7, 2021. REUTERS/Nathalia Angarita

CARACAS (Reuters) - After two years of mudslinging and ruptured ties, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday it was necessary to repair diplomatic relations with Colombia.

Maduro's statements came hours after Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez asked United Nations High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to pay attention to what Rodriguez called the Colombian government's policy of xenophobia and violence against Venezuelan migrants.