File Photo: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump in Caracas, Venezuela, Aug. 14, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday that he is willing to meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.

Despite enormous historical, ideological and social differences, he would be willing to reach out to Trump for talks, Maduro told the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly.

"Venezuela has a tradition of being a peaceful nation. Venezuela is a very friendly country and we have not forgotten the United States," said Maduro. "Rather we appreciate the culture, the art, and the social life of the United States. We are against the imperialists in charge of power in Washington."

In an address to the General Debate on Tuesday, Trump criticized Maduro.

"Today, we are announcing additional sanctions against the repressive regime, targeting Maduro's inner circle and close advisors," said Trump, whose administration has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Maduro's government since 2017.