Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is set to meet the presidents of Venezuela and Bolivia in Caracas Friday to sign military and energy deals that broaden Russia's footprint in Latin America.Putin's first visit to Venezuela underscores Russia's deepening relations with Latin America's leading leftist regime, and serves as doorway to a region long considered the US back yard.
Russia and Venezuela in 2005 and 2007 signed 12 military agreements worth some 4.4 billion dollars that have raised some concern in Washington.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez last week thanked Russia for helping Venezuela "bolster its defensive potential" in the face of "threats" from the United States as he announced Putin's visit.
Bolivian President Evo Morales is expected to seek a 100-million dollar loan from Russia to purchase military hardware, including an Antonov aircraft for the president's use, officials in La Paz said.
Russian officials, including deputy prime minister Igor Sechin, arrived in Caracas Wednesday to prepare for Putin's visit.
Putin and Chavez will sign "accords taking us to the next phase of cooperation with Russia, which no longer will be limited to energy and military matters, but now also includes social, cultural and health issues," Vice President Elias Jaua said Thursday on state-run VTV television.
THIS MUST BE COUNTERED.
I HAVE DOUBTS OBAMA WILL DO ANYTHING.
I SUSPECT IT PLEASES HIM TO SEE THE USA'S INFLUENCE WANE.
ALL LEFTISTS WANT TO SEE THE USA WEAKENED.
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