President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, my dear friend,
I am delighted to talk with you directly via videoconference.
Our conversation is timed to mark a significant date celebrated today: the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Let me congratulate you and all our Venezuelan friends on this occasion.
We have exchanged messages where both sides stressed their satisfaction with the current level of Russian-Venezuelan relations and expressed their interest in further developing them in the spirit of friendship and full mutual understanding.
Russian-Venezuelan ties have a long and rich history, with many bright pages. Back in the 18th century, Venezuelan national hero Francisco de Miranda visited Russia. Empress Catherine the Great granted him the rank of colonel of the Russian army and a Russian passport.
In the mid-19th century, the Russian Empire recognised Venezuela’s independence, which in fact marked the beginning of official interstate contacts.
However, it was the establishment of diplomatic relations in March 1945 that paved the way for a regular political dialogue, expansion of trade and cultural ties.
The current stage of Russian-Venezuelan cooperation is inextricably connected with the name of President Hugo Chavez. I warmly recall all our trust-based conversations with him. Largely due to his personal contribution, bright ideas and active position, cooperation between our countries saw a qualitative breakthrough.
Today, our relations have reached the level of strategic partnership. Mr President, today you carry on the Comandante’s cause, upholding your country’s sovereignty and steadfast course on close cooperation with Russia, which is traditionally built on the foundation of friendship, mutual trust and consideration of each other’s interests.
For its part, Russia is doing and will continue to do everything possible to make our joint efforts in the trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian spheres even closer and more comprehensive. I am pleased to note that the Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation between our countries has been fully agreed upon. It will create a good, solid foundation for the further expansion of our multifaceted ties in the long term. It could be signed during your visit to Russia at any time convenient for you.
I would also like to invite you to attend the May 9 celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow.
We remember that during the difficult years of the fight against Nazism, Venezuela sided with the anti-Hitler coalition. An important role was played by the supply of Venezuelan fuel and lubricants, which were sent to the USSR through the Lend-Lease system, ensuring the operation of aviation and other military equipment.
Today, we jointly oppose any manifestations of neo-Nazism and neo-colonialism. We appreciate that Venezuela supports the relevant Russian initiatives at multilateral venues.
Russia and Venezuela have similar positions on many issues on the international agenda. Together, we strive to build a more just world order, promote the principles of sovereign equality of states, and mutually beneficial cooperation without external interference in internal affairs.
No doubt, the further advancement of Russian-Venezuelan strategic partnership in all spheres complies with the interests of the harmonious development of our two nations.
Dear friend and colleague, I would like to once again congratulate you and all the people of Venezuela on the anniversary of relations between our countries.
Thank you.
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