AlQa'dah 26, 1436, September 10, 2015, SPA -- Secretary of State John Kerry is speaking with Venezuela's foreign minister as the two countries work to repair their relationship, according to AP. Kerry called Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez on the phone Tuesday. Roberta Jacobson, the top U.S. diplomat for Latin America, said the call was an attempt to keep the lines of communication open between the countries. Relations reached a low point this year when President Nicolas Maduro accused the U.S. of working to overthrow him, and the U.S. said his government engages in undemocratic practices. Jacobson said Kerry expressed concern about individuals jailed for political reasons in Venezuela, including prominent opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez. Lopez has been jailed for 19 months and a verdict in his case is expected Thursday. Last week, Kerry met with Lopez's wife, Lilian Tintori.