As part of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the endorsement of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation between Venezuela and the Russian Federation, Russia’s Ambassador Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov delivered a message from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed to his Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza at the opening of a photo exhibition themed ‘Russia and Venezuela: United by Brotherhood Bonds.’
«In the last 25 years, we have done a great job to strengthen our strategic relations. We are very grateful for opening this exhibition that strengthens the strategic, fraternal cooperation between our peoples, » said the Russian ambassador at the headquarters of the Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, in Caracas.
At the opening of this photo exhibition, the Russian ambassador highlighted the bilateral cooperation and the political, diplomatic, global process shared by the two countries that has been strengthened thanks to their efforts to promote and develop joint projects and actions, and especially mentioned the establishment of a direct air connection between Caracas and Moscow after the recent inaugural flight of Venezuelan airline Conviasa.
Venezuela’s strategic vision in the world
After receiving the letter of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs Jorge Arreaza gave a brief historical overview of the bilateral alliance dating back to 1945.
Arreaza pointed out that the real history of this bilateral cooperation started when Commander Hugo Chávez took office and thanks to President Vladimir Putin’s will. «The first visit of President Chávez to Moscow marked the first time when Venezuela aimed at diversifying its relations and establishing agreements with powerful countries that foster multipolarity and believe in multilateralism. »
The Venezuelan foreign minister asserted that the Friendship, Cooperation Treaty opened the doors to cooperation between the two countries from a normative-legal point of view, and mentioned alliances in multiple strategic areas such as health, economy, culture, oil, mining, the military, and tourism, among others. «We have endorsed dozens of agreements, and most of them have become reality (…) Despite the blockade and the circumstances our economy and the Venezuelan people have faced, we have moved forward. Our relation is tangible. You can see it and feel it, » he added.
Model, paradigmatic relation between Russia and Venezuela
The commitment to multilateralism as the guarantee for security and peace in the international sphere is another key aspect that unites Venezuela and Russia.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Arreaza asserted that Venezuela has become a strategic ally for Russia, especially in Latin America. «We promote the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, in defense of those states and peoples that do not want violence, against war, unilateral coercive measures and unilateralism. »
Furthermore, he remarked that the relations between Russia and Venezuela have been paradigmatic and a model for neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. «We are in some way a bridge for Russia thanks to the direct flight we have launched. It is the first direct flight from Latin America. »
The Venezuelan foreign minister stressed that the world will be multipolar. «In our continent, the Monroe Doctrine, summarized in the phrase ‘America for the Americans,’ will not move forward. »
Venezuela and Russia: United by Brotherhood Bonds
On May 24, 1996, Venezuela and Russia endorsed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cultural and Scientific Cooperation. Today, relations between the two nations are guided by the principles of brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect.
In the last two decades, Caracas and Moscow have forged a model, strategic, cooperation alliance through the Venezuela-Russia High-Level Intergovernmental Commission, which have held 15 meetings so far.
Commander Hugo Chávez improved bilateral relations, and more recently, President Nicolás Maduro has boosted the strategic alliance with Russia to unprecedented levels, together with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.