Russian President Vladimir Putin and controversial Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro met in Moscow on Wednesday and signed a strategic partnership treaty, strengthening their countries’ relationship.
The agreement focuses on various matters, including cooperation in global energy markets, security, counterterrorism efforts, and a commitment from both countries to combat extremism, according to reports.
Both countries are known for their vast oil reserves and are frequently identified as petrostates, given their reliance on fossil fuels. This agreement will help fortify an economic partnership, a vital alliance since Russia and Venezuela face sanctions from the international community. Reuters reported that the deal stipulates joint efforts to pursue energy opportunities by developing new oil and gas fields.
“The parties will promote the balanced and stable long-term development of global energy markets without the use of unfair competition instruments,” the agreement reads.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s adviser on foreign policy matters, touted the agreement’s significance in the tense geopolitical reality of international relations.
“This agreement is a testament to our commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as economics, investment, energy, mineral extraction, transport, telecommunications, healthcare, and culture,” Ushakov said.
This is the fourth strategic alliance since June 2022 that Russia has made with a country, including multiple countries hostile to the United States, such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
In June 2024, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a partnership agreement that focused on the two countries’ security needs and “cooperation in political, trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields.” Both leaders celebrated the agreement and its significance. Putin called it a “breakthrough document,” while Kim called it the “strongest-ever treaty” between Russia and North Korea.
As for this week’s alliance announcement, Maduro and Putin also committed to promoting cooperative opportunities in the world’s energy sectors, including “initiatives within OPEC+ and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum,” Reuters reported.
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the agreement between the two countries as a “weighty, substantial, and very important framework document.”
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“Thanks to this treaty, we’ll see how relations flourish between a great Russia, a key power among humanity today, and Venezuela in the coming years,” Maduro said.
Maduro will also attend Moscow’s celebration on May 9 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the “Great Patriotic War,” or World War II.
