DAMASCUS, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned what it called the "flagrant U.S. interference" in the affairs of Venezuela, state news agency SANA reported.

The ministry said it rejects the U.S. interference in Venezuelan affairs, which constitutes a violation of all norms as well as international laws and an encroachment upon the Venezuelan sovereignty.

It also stressed Syria's support to the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to preserve the sovereignty of Venezuela and foil the "aggressive" schemes of the U.S. government.

On Wednesday, 35-year-old Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" of the Latin American country during an opposition rally.

U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Guaido as the "interim president" in a statement issued by the White House.

Later, Maduro announced that he was severing "diplomatic and political" ties with the United States.