Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the set used for the video call he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, March 14, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia-Venezuela diplomatic relations. Photo: Presidential Press.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—This Friday, March 14, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela will sign a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Russia in May. The agreement will cover multiple sectors and be formalized during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During a televised video conference commemorating the 80th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations, President Maduro emphasized that the partnership has significantly strengthened collaboration in “public health, transportation, culture, information technology, geology, subsoil, and sports.”
“This agreement elevates our relations to the highest level in areas where we have already made progress: economics, trade, finance, banking, energy, industry, public health, transportation, agriculture, IT, science, education, culture, sports, and more,” Maduro added. He highlighted the “very high level of understanding and maturity” achieved over eight decades of diplomatic ties.
President Maduro reflected on historical solidarity, noting, “80 years ago, Venezuela—the homeland of SimĂłn BolĂvar—supported the great victory against Nazi-fascism. Later, Commander Hugo Chávez and President Putin deepened these relations through political trust and a shared strategic vision rooted in equality and respect.”
The Venezuelan leader also referenced the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, stressing their alignment on a “pluricentric, multipolar world” shaped by “Bolivarian peace diplomacy,” where cooperation, equality, and mutual respect define international relations.
Putin’s historical perspective
President Putin acknowledged the long-standing ties between the two nations, recalling Russia’s recognition of Venezuelan independence in the 19th century. He praised the expansion of political and cultural cooperation since formal relations were established in March 1945, crediting Hugo Chávez’s “brilliant ideas and firm stance” for advancing the partnership.
“Chávez’s legacy continues under Maduro, who upholds an unwavering commitment to Venezuela’s sovereignty and cooperation with Russia,” Putin said. He emphasized their joint pursuit of a “more just world order” based on state sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit.
Victory over Nazi Germany
Maduro accepted Putin’s invitation to visit Moscow in May to inaugurate an event honoring the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).
“We will celebrate profoundly, as humanity’s history cannot be understood without the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi-fascism,” Maduro declared. Putin, in turn, thanked Venezuela for its wartime support, including supplies of lubricants and fuel that ensured the operational readiness of Soviet military equipment.
Casual exchange highlights coffee diplomacy
Before switching the video call to a private session, President Maduro took a sip of coffee. Curious, President Putin asked what he was drinking. Maduro smiled and replied that it was “very high-quality coffee,” adding that Venezuela had significantly boosted its coffee production. Putin nodded in agreement, acknowledging the renowned quality of Venezuelan coffee.
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/SF
