Putin highlights strengthening of economic cooperation with Venezuela
Moscow, Sep 25 (Latin Press) President Vladimir Putin highlighted today the strengthening of Russia’s economic cooperation with Venezuela, when he met today in the Kremlin with the president of that South American country, Nicolas Maduro.
Our relations are constantly developing,” said the Russian statesman at the beginning of the official talks with Maduro, who arrived in the capital the day before as part of a working visit.
Putin noted that trade grew 10 percent in recent months. It’s nice to note that this is largely due to mutual deliveries, including agricultural products, he said.
We believe this is very important, given the difficult situation in which Venezuela finds itself due to external pressures,” said the head of state, alluding to the blockade imposed on the South American country by the United States.
We can even consider this part of our interaction as a kind of humanitarian cooperation, since these products are directly related to people’s well-being, to the realization of their direct food needs, he said.
Another key area is medicine, including the supply of Russian medicines. In the near future, we intend to deliver 1.5 million doses of flu vaccine and, on a continuing basis, up to five million could be provided, Putin said.
Our major projects are also being implemented, mainly in the energy sector. Russia as a whole has invested about four billion dollars in the Venezuelan economy, he said.
With respect to technical-military cooperation, the statesman clarified that this is based on Russia’s obligations for the maintenance of equipment manufactured here and acquired by Venezuela.
The supply of spare parts, the creation of service centers: all these works are scheduled, strictly according to bilateral documents signed between both countries, Putin stressed.
In addition, the president referred to the collaboration at the international level. Russia constantly supports all legitimate authorities in Venezuela, including the institution of the President and Parliament, stressed the president.
Of course, we support the dialogue that you, Mr President, and your government are conducting with the opposition forces,” he said.
For his part, Maduro recalled that last May, a meeting of the high-level commission of the two countries was held, and many of the issues discussed then were successfully resolved in areas such as food, health, energy and many others, he pointed out.
We support the cooperation established in all spheres,” said the Venezuelan statesman.
Therefore, this meeting is very important. We can take stock of what has been done this year to see what problems we still have, what realities we face, how progress is being made in various areas and make plans for the future, he said.
(Taken from PL in Spanish)
Written by Radio Grito de Baire
