NOVO-OGAREVO, near Moscow, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Venezuela Russia’s close friend and partner at a meeting with the country’s President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday.
Maduro assured Putin that “Venezuela will always stand together with Russia.”
“Before we discuss the agenda of the world’s energy, I would like to note that Venezuela remains not just our friend but a close partner, one of the leading partners in Latin America,” the Russian president said in opening remarks.
Also, Putin assured his Venezuelan counterpart that he welcomed the opportunity to discuss bilateral agenda — current work and major long-term projects.
Maduro recalled his previous meeting with Putin in Brazil last summer.
“We have arrived this time (in Moscow) so that we could discuss our bilateral relationship along with issues related to stabilization of our natural resources,” Maduro said, calling partnership with Russia most crucial for Venezuela.
“We would like to reiterate our solidarity with the Russians and our profound faith in your ability to work and to come forward having coped with this situation,” the Venezuelan president said in conclusion.