Russia calls for lifting of sanctions against Venezuela

BOGOTA, Colombia

Russia on Tuesday joined other countries in calling for the lifting of sanctions against Venezuela.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil held a joint press conference in Caracas following a meeting with Lavrov emphasizing the importance of joining forces “against Western blackmail.”

“With Venezuela, we have a very rich agenda and cooperation that strengthens the foundations of our economies which do not depend on the whims and blackmail of our colleagues in the West,” Lavrov said.

“We are convinced that our experience will be very useful because the number of sanctions against us is enormous and we are gaining experience quickly," he added.

Lavrov noted that Venezuela is one of Russia's "most faithful partners" and that an important agenda for the unity of both countries is being worked on.

Gil said he and Lavrov reviewed and renewed bilateral and cooperation agreements, adding the two countries have signed more than 300 such agreements to date. The two also announced efforts to work on joint projects in various fields, including oil production, medicine, agriculture and space exploration.

Lavrov's arrival in Venezuela is part of a five-day visit to Latin America that began on Monday in Brazil and will later take him to Nicaragua and Cuba.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is expected to meet with the Russian foreign minister later. Maduro said Monday that he has a “good friendship” with Lavrov.​​​​​​​

"Welcome Chancellor Lavrov to South America, to Latin America, to the Caribbean and to Venezuela," Maduro said.

During his stay in Brazil, Lavrov was welcomed by his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira and he met with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.