Russia, Venezuela sign Treaty on Strategic Partnership

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro signed on Wednesday the Treaty on Strategic Partnership at a meeting in Moscow.

Opening the meeting at the Kremlin, Putin praised the agreement, emphasizing it is a solid base for bilateral cooperation, and working on this basis the two countries could achieve "notable results."

"Of course, our trade turnover of $200 million is far from satisfactory, but nonetheless, the trend is very positive: last year's growth in trade reached 64%—a good indicator," he said.

For his part, Maduro conveyed Putin the Venezuelan people's "deep admiration" for the 80th anniversary of Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

"The Soviet people made enormous efforts to put an end to the illegal and horrific war caused by fascism 80 years ago," he said.

According to Maduro's assessment, had this not happened, humanity would have entered a phase of crimes and severe crisis.

"Thanks to the Great Victory of the Red Army 80 years ago, due to the efforts and heroism of the Soviet people, and sacrifices amounting to 27 million human lives, Europe and all of humankind were saved," he said.

The Venezuelan leader emphasized that the world is now "at a crucial crossroads."

"This moment is most appropriate -- 80 years of our relations and 80 years after this Great Victory. We can give a new impetus to the development of our relations. We’ll make a qualitative leap toward cooperating in all spheres," he said.

He also praised the treaty, signed on the results of the meeting, saying it will contribute to the flourishing relations between Russia and Venezuela.

"We're delighted to share with you the celebration of this great date and mark the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. For us too, this is a Victory," he said.