Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday highlighted Venezuela as Russia’s reliable partner and announced that they will intensify bilateral strategic cooperation.
During a working day, the Russian president asserted that cooperation with Venezuela in energy, industrial, and transportation matters, among others, will be intensified.
“We have an intense dialogue with the president. [Nicolás] Maduro, the positions of Russia and Venezuela on the main issues on the international agenda are close or fully coincident. We intend to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in all areas, especially in energy, industry, infrastructure, transport and pharmaceutical products,” Putin said, quoted by Sputnik.
Putin’s speech came amid the receipt of credentials from the ambassadors of 24 foreign ambassadors, including Uruguay, Venezuela and Colombia.
To date, Venezuela and Russia have signed more than 200 agreements in agriculture, oil, gas, industrial, mining, military, tourism, among others, as part of the development of the Russia-Venezuela Intergovernmental Commission.
During his speech, the Russian president reiterated his rejection of the more than 500 sanctions imposed by the United States (USA) against Venezuela and highlighted the efforts of the National Government to stabilize the economy despite these measures.
“We support the efforts of the Venezuelan government to stabilize the internal situation and protect national sovereignty. And we condemn the illegitimate sanctions imposed against the Republic,” the Russian president said.
Similarly, he referred to Colombia, whom he described as a “promising partner” with Russia.
“Colombia is a promising partner of Russia in Latin America, with which we are interested in maintaining friendly relations,” said the Russian president.
In this regard, he expressed his willingness to support the peace talks in Colombia and contribute to the search for stability in the nation of New Granada.
