Sergey Lavrov: Russia appreciates Venezuela's interest in deepening ties with BRICS

MOSCOW, 18 March (BelTA - TV BRICS) - Russia and Venezuela celebrated the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations on 14 March. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wrote an article "Russia and Venezuela: Friendship and Partnership Spanning Years and Kilometres" for the Venezuelan foreign ministry's publication Cancilleria.

The Russian Foreign Minister emphasised that Moscow and Caracas actively cooperate on international platforms. In particular, the countries have established a practice of mutual support in the UN, and Venezuela has traditionally been among the co-sponsors of Russian draft resolutions. In addition, the states intend to expand cooperation in the format of OPEC+ and Gas Exporting Countries Forum.

Lavrov separately noted the states' ties in BRICS.

"We value Venezuela’s interest in deepening cooperation with BRICS – the association advancing the interests of the Global South and East, and a pillar of the multipolar world order", Sergey Lavrov said.

The diplomat pointed out that Russian and Venezuelan Presidents Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro have met more than 10 times since 2013.

"We reaffirm our commitment to further strengthening our friendship and promoting lasting, stable, predictable ties," Lavrov added.

Maduro visited Russia in October 2024. At the BRICS summit in Kazan, he said the association is "the epicentre of the birth of a new world based on the principles of humanism." The Venezuelan leader also confirmed that the country shares the BRICS principles.