WASHINGTON - Venezuela is weighing a U.S. government request to let a high-level DEA official visit the South American country.

Venezuelan Ambassador to the Organization of American States Roy Chaderton told The Associated Press on Friday that his country's main consideration is ensuring mutual respect between the countries.

Chaderton says that while Venezuela wants to improve its relationship with the U.S. it's not looking for a stamp of approval.

Chavez scaled back co-operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2005, accusing its agents of espionage, an accusation the DEA denied. U.S. officials have expressed hopes of improved counter-drug co-operation.

Chaderton and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kevin Whittaker met in late 2012 in an effort to improve relations between their countries.

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