CARACAS, December 6. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Caracas Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Eduardo Gil Pinto discussed the strengthening of Russia and Venezuela’s interaction on the international stage, as well as the further development of the countries’ trade, economic, and tourism ties during a meeting.
"We exchanged views on Russian-Venezuelan interaction in the international arena and emphasized that the two countries must closely collaborate on various international platforms, maintain a positive political dialogue, and actively work together within the framework of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations," Melik-Bagdasarov told TASS.
The two sides also "discussed new promising initiatives following the outcomes of the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Russian-Venezuelan High-Level Commission (HLC), held in November 2024," the Russian ambassador added. These include joint projects in the energy sector, electricity, transportation, tourism, and agriculture. These initiatives aim to enhance bilateral trade, increase supplies of food products, and boost exports of traditional Venezuelan goods like coffee and cocoa.
The Venezuelan side presented several attractive investment projects in the fields of energy, agriculture, and tourism to Russian businessmen who visited the country after the HLC meeting, the ambassador noted.
"Together with the Venezuelan foreign minister, we also summarized the results of the 2024 Venezuela International Tourism Fair, known as FITVEN. Russia participated as a guest of honor," Melik-Bagdasarov said. "Our stand at the FITVEN showcased Russia's multinational character, the cultural, historical, and linguistic diversity of its peoples, and the country’s adherence to traditional values, particularly family values, which hold special significance in the year of the family, celebrated in Russia," he noted.
Melik-Bagdasarov informed Gil Pinto about the work of the Russian companies' delegation during FITVEN. The companies came to Venezuela to gain a comprehensive understanding of the country’s tourist industry and visit its natural, cultural, and historical sites. "Russian tourists often praised the wonderful climate, vibrant tropical nature, and the generous hospitality of our Venezuelan friends when I spoke with them," the Russian ambassador emphasized.