The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduroarrived this Tuesday 22nd in Russia to participate in the group’s annual summit Bricswith his eyes focused on new investments in the oil sector, on his first official trip abroad after his questioned re-election.
“We are one of the four largest oil countries in the world and Venezuela, modestly, is offering its part in an economic project that requires a high level of investment,” said Maduro upon arriving at the airport in the city of Kazan.
The Chavista has been seeking for months the inclusion of Venezuela as an active member of the bloc, which is holding its summit meeting until Thursday. He has an intervention scheduled for Wednesday, according to the official program.
Maduro also hopes to meet with the Russian president, Vladimir Putinwho expressed support for him after the announcement of his victory in the elections for a third consecutive term, amid accusations of fraud by the opposition.
“Here we came to defend and bring the truth and the free voice of a rebellious people who crossed the desert, our people, and who today are standing, whole, complete and victorious,” said Maduro.
Executive Vice President and Minister of Oil, Delcy Rodríguez, arrived in Kazan on Monday with Foreign Minister Yván Gil to offer “investment options” in the field of oil to BricsPlus countries. “There is good news in this direction”, said Maduro.
The last time the Venezuelan president had traveled abroad was in December 2023, when he met in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with his counterpart from Guyana, Irfaan Ali, to talk about Essequibo, a territory in dispute between the two countries.
His last visit to Russia was in September 2019. The relationship between Caracas and Moscow became closer during the government of the late former president Hugo Chávez (1999-2013).
The Brics bloc was founded in 2009 with four members: Brazil, China, India and Russia. In 2010, South Africa joined and, in 2024, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
