Jan 2 (Reuters) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said in a New Year's interview that his country is willing to receive U.S. investment in its oil sector, coordinate in the fight against drug trafficking and hold serious talks with the United States.

The tanker, which had been sailing to Venezuela to pick up oil, has claimed Russian protection, although the U.S. authorities say it is a stateless vessel.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro unexpectedly softened his rhetoric by inviting U.S. investments into the country's oil sector, suggesting a new path for serious talks with the United States.