President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela paid an official visit to Russia this week, talking enthusiastically about economic and political cooperation between the two countries. Chavez was so optimistic, in fact, that some media even misinterpreted his statements, and Venezuela's government was forced to issue some corrections as the talks came to a close.
Arms trade was the main topic of talks between Hugo Chavez, a former paratrooper, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. According to media reports, the two sides agreed that Russia would supply $5 billion worth of military hardware to Venezuela, including 20 modern surface-to-air missile systems and three diesel submarines. Russia has already supplied large batches of combat jets and Kalashnikov rifles to the Latin American country. This relationship has prompted concern in the United States, which has very tense relations with the outspoken Venezuelan leader.
During this week's visit, Chavez once again reminded the international community about his strained relations with the U.S. by saying that the partnership with Russia must ensure "Venezuela's sovereignty, which is currently being threatened by the United States," which he believes is "plotting to invade our country."
He went on to say that if Russian military forces ever visited Venezuelan territory, they would be greeted "by flying colors, drum beats and songs, as this means the arrival of our allies with whom we share the same view on the world."
Many observers interpreted Chavez's comments to suggest that Venezuela could offer Russia the option to build a military-technical base on its territory. The Venezuelan government, however, quickly dismissed such rumors, saying that Chavez's words meant only that Russia's Navy would be welcomed to dock at a Venezuelan port.
In a telephone interview with VTV state television, Minister of Communication and Information Andres Izarra said several of Chavez's quotes were taken out of context and "unintentionally misinterpreted." Besides, the Venezuelan constitution prohibits the deployment of foreign military bases on its territory.
By contrast, President Medvedev was much more cautious in his comments, concentrating instead on economic cooperation between the two countries, especially in the energy sphere. Medvedev even reiterated a past proposal to create an international cartel in natural gas - a veritable "Gas OPEC." The idea, however, has run into stiff opposition by big energy consumers, such as the United States. Chavez said "this question has not yet been closed".
The two leaders also reached an agreement on mutual protection of investments, which could result in the signing of a bilateral convention by as early as October. Russian vice-premier Aleksander Zhukov told reporters that the convention would significantly ease the process of mutual investments as it would stimulate Russian investments in Venezuela and vice-versa.
Following his Moscow visit, Chavez departed for Belarus where he had talks on energy cooperation with President Aleksander Lukashenko.
By Kirill Bessonov
