Venezuelan Foreign Minister arrives in Moscow on a working visit

<a href=>Pravda, 12:43 2003-05-15

Foreign Minister of Venezuela Roy Chaderton Matos arrives in Moscow on a working visit. The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Venezuela on May 16 are to consider the situation on the world energy market, official Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko told RIA Novosti.

Russia and Venezuela are among the biggest oil producers and exporters in the world. "Both countries are interested in maintaining stability on the world energy market," Yakovenko said.

"We are prepared to continue the constructive dialogue on many issues, both with Venezuela and in the framework of multilateral interaction in this sphere," the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Gas, petrochemical and coal industries and the development of a transport infrastructure could also be areas of successful ties between the two countries.

"The present visit, Yakovenko said, is an important landmark in the development of political contacts with Venezuela." These contacts have been growing most actively after two Moscow visits by President Hugo Chavez and the visit by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov to Caracas in 2001.

Moscow is satisfied with the fact that "the approaches of Russia and Venezuela to shaping a modern system of international relations based on multi-polarity and respect for international law are close," the diplomat said.

The visit to Russia by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Roy Chaderton Matos will last until May 18.