Russia, Venezuela sign oil and gas deals

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-27-2008 09:21

Russian and Venezuelan officials have agreed to cooperate more in the oil and gas industry. The two countries continue to strengthen ties in response to what they feel are threats from the United States.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Venezuelan  President Hugo Chavez applaud at a signing ceremony in  Orenburg, about 1300 kilometers (800 miles) southeast of  Moscow, on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008. Russian and Venezuelan  officials on Friday signed agreements meant to bolster  cooperation in the oil and gas industry, playing up energy  ties between two nations trying to decrease U.S. influence  around the world.(AP Photo)

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev watched the signing of deals between state energy companies in the southern city of Orenburg.

Chavez also was expected to watch a major Russian military exercise during his second visit to Russia in just over two months.

Dmitry Medvedev said, "This shows the strategic framework of our relations. I am sure that your visit will be successful. We will talk about the situation in the world, in Latin America and Europe, especially taking into account the Caucasian crisis, which happened in August this year. We appreciate the moral support of Venezuela in this situation."

Chavez is on a trip that has taken him to Cuba and China along with Russia, whose war with Georgia has badly soured relations with Washington.

Chavez said, "I want to take the occasion to confirm our modest, but complete and definite support to Russia's actions in the Caucasus."

A Russian naval squadron is on its way to Venezuela, and Russia sent two strategic bombers there earlier this month.

The Western Hemisphere deployments are a pointed response to the US military support for Georgia.

Editor:Du Xiaodan