The president of the republic Nicolás Maduro highlighted the importance of the Russia-Venezuela Business Meeting that was held last week, and which served as a platform for commercial exchange between businessmen from the two countries, with a view to enhancing mutual benefit.
In his Con Maduro + program, the president highlighted the participation of 370 companies from both nations, which are participating in business roundtables to increase binational trade. “This week there was a very beneficial meeting between Venezuelan and Russian businessmen… we have an exemplary relationship of cooperation for mutual development,” said the president about relations with Russia.
He added that since President Hugo Chávez implemented his multipolar world vision, relations with Russia have risen to their highest level, following the recent signing of new cooperation agreements last May. “25 years of excellent relations in equality, cooperation and respect,” defined the president.
In this sense, he highlighted a new step in the construction of bilateral ties, such as the opening of the Caracas – Saint Petersburg route, which was activated with Venezuela’s flag airline, Conviasa, this week.
“Many Russian tourists are arriving… We are integrating ourselves in shared development, exchange of culture, technology,” highlighted the head of state.
Daily communication and military cooperation
President Maduro said that relations with Russia remain at a level of “serenity, trust and brotherhood,” when referring to the issue of military cooperation that has been maintained for years and that continues its course at the present time.
The president referred to the recent statements issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, María Zajárova, in which she said that Moscow is willing to respond to Venezuela’s requests in the face of US threats.
Maduro said that “we have daily and permanent communication with the Russian government” and that military cooperation allows “many cadets and officers to have been trained in Russia, many Russian officers come to Venezuela.”
He said that the situation against Venezuela, due to US aggression in the Caribbean, “turns that into news”, however, all military cooperation movements follow the agreed route. “There is nothing new,” said the president, downplaying the news that magnifies the military agreements with Russia with the intention of exacerbating tensions.
“Venezuela continues on its path and what it wants is to achieve peace. We don’t mess with anyone, but don’t let anyone mess with us,” he said.
