Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) welcomes his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro before their meeting on January 15, 2014.
On January 15, 2015 Vladimir Putin and President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro discussed pressing issues of bilateral cooperation and the situation on the world energy market.
A substantive exchange was held during the Russian-Venezuelan talks on implementing joint projects, including in the energy sector. The parties spoke in favor of intensifying efforts by the interstate commission and confirmed their readiness to take energetic steps to overcome the drop in trade and economic relations between the two nations.
Beginning of meeting with President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro
PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Mr President, I am happy to welcome you to Moscow. Thank you for finding the time during your international tour to respond to our invitation to visit Russia.
Before we discuss global energy matters, I would like to note that Venezuela is not only a good friend, but also a very close partner, one of our leading partners in Latin America. Therefore, I am very happy to have this opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations as well, including both current matters and major large-scale projects.
We are very happy to see you here. Welcome!
PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA NICOLAS MADURO
President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (retranslated):
“We are also very happy to have the opportunity to visit you once again, Mr Putin. Last time we met in Brazil; that was six months ago during a meeting of Latin American states with the BRICSis an international association of fife countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Initially, the BRIC Group was formed by four of the world’s fastest-growing economies – Brazil, Russia, India, and China. In December 2010 South Africa joined the BRIC Group.
This time we have come to discuss issues pertaining to our bilateral relations and the stabilization on the markets of natural resources. These issues are very important for our relations – issues of relations between Russia and Venezuela, between Russia and other Latin American countries.
We would like to reiterate our solidarity with the Russian people and our deep faith in your ability to work, faith that you will be able to handle this situation and move forward.
Venezuela will always be with Russia.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Thank you.”
Source: Kremlin
Meanwhile the relationship between the US an Venezuela are deteriorating.
See video: Maduro sends mixed messages about U.S.-Venezuela relations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr3KrwCgh9A
See video: Russia and Venezuela strengthen strategic relationships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=540gf_FZupo
See video: Maduro, Putin tout Russian-Venezuelan economic ties https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmOrlnn1hig