MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. Moscow expects the presidential election in Venezuela to be held peacefully and without interference and outside pressure, the Russian Foreign Ministry said following meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and Tibisay Lucena, the President of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council.

"The Russian side expressed wishes for a successful, peaceful and organized voting with respect for national legislation and international norms, without interference and outside pressure," the ministry stressed.

"The parties also discussed some current bilateral issues and reaffirmed their determination to continue coordinated interaction on pressing international problems in the interests of strengthening regional and global stability," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lucena arrived in Russia to brief the Russian leadership on preparations for the upcoming presidential election in Venezuela scheduled to be held on May 20.