Putin and Venezuela vice-president to discuss trade-economic ties

26.06.2008, 10.34

MOSCOW, June 26 (Itar-Tass) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will receive on Thursday Venezuelan Vice-President Ramon Carrizales. The Russian government press service reported that the sides “plan to centre on the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries at the meeting”.

Last year, trade between Russia and Venezuela substantially rose as against the previous year, hitting 1,129.2 million US dollars (517 million dollars in 2006), including export 1,116.7 million dollars and import – 12.5 million dollars.

Priority in economic cooperation is given to fuel and energy as well as to mining industries. Such leading Russian companies as Gazprom, Lukoil, TNK-BP, Rossiisky Alyuminy, VNIIGAZ, RusKaolin, Raznoimport as well as other companies and enterprises launch their operations in the Venezuelan market. Joint projects in railway and air transport are on drawing boards.

Military and technical cooperation between Russia and Venezuela progresses in the positive direction. It is made on the basis of an appropriate intergovernmental agreement and in strict conformity with international obligations and legal norms, operating in this sphere.

An impressive contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation is made by the top-level Intergovernmental Russian-Venezuelan Commission, co-chaired by Carrizales from the Venezuelan side. The commission is headed by vice-premier Alexander Zhukov from the Russian side. The fifth meeting of the commission is planned to be held in Moscow next autumn.

Russian-Venezuelan relations are distinguished for the high level and trustworthy political dialogue, serving as a reliable basis for ensuring gradual and comprehensive development of bilateral relations. The sides boost interdepartmental contacts and maintain close Interparliamentary exchanges.

The two foreign ministries hold regular political consultations. Regions of the Russian Federation and Venezuelan states establish relations.

The Russian government press service noted that the stands of Russia and Venezuela on many pressing international issues are close or identical. The two countries crusade for forming a democratic multipolar world, underpinned by principles of international law, respect for sovereignty and account for legitimate interests of all countries.

The two nations are convinced of the need for consolidating the prestige of the United Nations as a universal mechanism for preserving peace and strategic stability.