US President Donald Trump has stressed to Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido his “strong support” for the nation’s fight to regain its democracy, the White House says.

Mr Trump and Mr Guaido spoke by telephone on Wednesday local time.

“President Donald J Trump spoke today with Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaido to congratulate him on his historic assumption of the presidency and to reinforce President Trump’s strong support for Venezuela’s fight to regain its democracy,” the White House said in a statement.

The White House said Mr Guaido thanked Mr Trump for committing the US to freedom and prosperity in Venezuela and the region.

The leaders also agreed to regular communication in support of Venezuela’s path back to stability and to rebuild strained relations between both countries.

“I appreciate the phone call from the president of the United States, Donald Trump, who reiterated his complete support for our democratic work, commitment to humanitarian aid and his administration’s recognition for our (interim) presidency,” Mr Guaido wrote on Twitter.

Large protests are planned across Venezuela on Wednesday to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

Mr Guaido declared himself Venezuela’s rightful leader last week and said the nation “is set on change”.

As Washington recognised Mr Guaido’s claim to lead Venezuela, Mr Maduro, who still controls the military and police, says Mr Guaido is part of a US-led coup plot.

The pro-government Supreme Court has barred Mr Guaido, who is calling for large anti-Maduro street protests this week, from leaving the country.

Meanwhile, Venezuelans are exiting their homes and workplaces in a walkout organised by the opposition to demand that Mr Maduro leave power.

People began gathering on streets in the capital city of Caracas on Wednesday, waving flags and chanting phrases like, “Free elections!”

Drivers beeped their horns in support of the protesters.

The demonstration comes one week after Mr Guaido declared himself president before thousands of supporters, contending that he is the nation’s rightful leader because Mr Maduro’s re-election was a sham.

Mr Guaido is the 35-year-old president of the National Assembly, the only branch of Venezuela’s government controlled by the opposition.

Mr Maduro is refusing to step down and accusing the US of orchestrating a coup by backing Mr Guaido and imposing punishing oil sanctions.