Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Putin bolsters oil, defense ties with Venezuela
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Slideshow
Video
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
1:42am EDT
Gunmen kill up to 25 people in Baghdad: officials
2:58am EDT
Obama urges China's Hu to get behind Iran push
| Video
02 Apr 2010
Obama and Medvedev to sign landmark nuclear arms pact
02 Apr 2010
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
02 Apr 2010
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
1:42am EDT
Gunmen kill up to 25 people in Baghdad: officials
2:58am EDT
Obama urges China's Hu to get behind Iran push
| Video
02 Apr 2010
Obama and Medvedev to sign landmark nuclear arms pact
02 Apr 2010
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
02 Apr 2010
Putin bolsters oil, defense ties with Venezuela
Darya Korsunskaya and Anthony Boadle
CARACAS
Fri Apr 2, 2010 10:50pm EDT
Factbox
Factbox: Russia's ties with Venezuela: arms, energy, politics
Fri, Apr 2 2010
Related Video
Russian PM Putin visits Venezuela.
Fri, Apr 2 2010
<
1 / 4
>
View Full Size
CARACAS (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gave the United States' main Latin American foe, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a needed boost with a brief visit on Friday to discuss oil, defense and nuclear energy cooperation.
World | Russia
They launched a $20 billion venture between Russian firms and Venezuelan state company PDVSA aimed at pumping 450,000 barrels a day -- almost a fifth of the OPEC member's current output -- from the vast Orinoco heavy oil belt.
Russia also delivered the last four of 38 military transport helicopters, but no new defense agreements were signed, though Chavez said Moscow was open to help Venezuela develop nuclear energy for generating electricity.
"We are prepared to begin drawing up the first project for a nuclear power generator, obviously for peaceful purposes," Chavez said at a news conference with Putin.
"We are not building an alliance against the United States. We don't care what Washington thinks," Chavez said, adding that he would continue to make "modest" arms purchases from Moscow that were the minimum needed for Venezuela's defense.
Putin's 12-hour visit provides a welcome lift for Chavez, who is facing domestic and international criticism for failing to solve Venezuela's economic woes and attempting to silence opposition to his 11-year rule.
Putin also held talks in Caracas with Bolivian President Evo Morales, along with Chavez the fiercest opponent of what they call U.S. "imperialism" in Latin America.
Facing a national electricity crisis that has caused widespread outages, Chavez's government is turning to Iran and Russia for help to develop nuclear power.
Venezuela, South America's top oil exporter and a major U.S. supplier, has also expanded military ties with Russia under Chavez, who says the United States could attack Venezuela for its oil reserves.
Since 2005, Venezuela has bought about $5 billion worth of Sukhoi jet fighters, Mi-17 helicopters and Kalashnikov assault rifles. Chavez received $2.2 billion in credit lines for more Russian arms during his eighth visit to Moscow in September, including T-72 tanks and the S-300 advanced anti-aircraft missile system.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concern last year that the Russian weapons purchases by Venezuela could trigger an arms race across Latin America.
Chavez says his growing arsenal is aimed at countering a planned increase in the U.S. military forces at bases in neighboring Colombia, Washington's closest ally in the region.
ORINOCO OIL VENTURE
The highlight of Putin's visit was the rolling out of the joint venture to develop the Junin 6 field in the Orinoco, which will require $20 billion in investments over 40 years.
Venezuela expects the venture to begin producing 50,000 barrels a day by the end of the year.
To boost its sagging output from traditional wells, Venezuela needs foreign investment and technology to tap the heavy oil of the Orinoco belt that requires much upgrading to turn into lighter crude.
The Russian consortium involved in Junin 6, state giant Rosneft, private major Lukoil, Gazprom, TNK-BP and Surgutneftegaz, paid Venezuela the first $600 million tranche of an agreed $1 billion signing fee on Friday.
PDVSA holds a 60 percent stake in the project. The Russian firms are also in talks to create joint ventures to develop three more Orinoco blocks, Junin 3 and Ayacucho 2 and 3.
Chavez hopes Russian cooperation will reach as far as the space industry. "We could even install a satellite launcher," he said at a televised cabinet meeting on Thursday.
The U.S. State Department scoffed at Chavez's space plans, pointing out that Venezuela was so short of electricity the government had extended the Easter holiday for a full week.
"Perhaps the focus should be more terrestrial than extraterrestrial," said spokesman P.J.Crowley.
(Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov in Moscow; Charlie Devereux in Caracas; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
World
Russia
More from Reuters
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters converged on Bangkok's shopping district on Saturday, forcing major retailers to close while accusing authorities of neglecting the poor on the 21st day of a mass rally seeking snap elections.
Gunmen kill up to 25 people in Baghdad: officials
Obama urges China's Hu to get behind Iran push
| Video
Obama and Medvedev to sign landmark nuclear arms pact
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
Pentagon boosting Afghanistan "eyes in the sky"
» More Top News
Beware the scary regulators?
It's anyone's guess how far the SEC will go in its market overhaul, but industry experts agree on one thing: a light touch is key. Full Article
A crisis solution from the heart
Wall Street watchdog won't roll over
Global Trading Summit
"Chexting": The new infidelity
You might like texting, frown upon sexting, but now comes "chexting" -- and it can lead to big trouble. Just ask Tiger Woods and Jesse James. Full Article
Building a career around divorce
Lifestyle
© Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts
Venture Capital Journal
International Financing Review
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 3 April 2010 White House slams Karzai comments as 'troubling'
On Good Friday, criticism of pope likened to anti-Semitism
Preacher compares attacks on pope to anti-Semitism
|
Iran blocks news website: French broadcaster
Bissau leader bids to resolve army, government rift
|
China's iPad look-alikes brace for the real thing
White House troubled by Karzai attack on West
Sounds heard in China mine where 153 trapped
On Good Friday, criticism of pope likened to anti-Semitism
Study: Smoke Alarms + Sprinklers + Closed Doors = Saved Lives
Japanese cellphone ringtone 'cures hayfever'
U.S. Unemployment Holds Steady, While Payrolls Jump In March
Obama, Medvedev to sign landmark nuclear arms pact
SKorean fishing boat apparently sinks; 9 missing
Gabourey Sidibe, Tina Fey Host "Saturday Night Live" In April
Pakistan submits landmark reforms to parliament
Carrie Underwood, Black Eyed Peas Confirmed For "Idol Gives Back"
3 German soldiers killed in north Afghan clash
Mars Rover Misses Designated Phone Home Time As Winter Nears
Three Dead After Blast At Washington State Refinery
China mine accidents multiply -- 28 dead, 192 missing
Doctor Refuses Care To Obama Supporters
California AG: Numerous Faults With ACORN But No Crimes In Videos
Special Report: iPad striptease: It's what's inside that counts
|
UN chief tours troubled ex-Soviet Central Asia
Afghan rival says Karzai undermines war on Taliban
iPad still awaits the rush
|
Pakistan attorney general quits amid graft dispute
Reviews praise Apple iPad battery life, ease of use
|
Sharp to launch advanced 3D panels for mobile gear
|
China journalist club shuts website after attack
|
Taiwan's HTC says Apple suit not affecting operations
|
Iran nuke envoy pushes for dialogue, not sanctions
Microsoft sues UK game controller maker
|
U.S. appeals court rules for eBay in Tiffany spat
|
New website brings crowd sourcing to fashion
|
Toshiba to make sub-25nm flash memory: Nikkei
|
France says arms sale to Pakistan held up
Under the radar, Apple's Asian suppliers work furiously
Most US firms in China optimistic despite challenges: survey
News
John Forsythe dies, 92
|
Janet Jackson calls film role intense, cathartic
|
US regulators to probe MGM Mirage's Macau business: report
Indian designers go back to their roots
Stockholm's Green City award for what you can't see
JAL lenders to demand cuts to international service: report
Terrence McNally ready for a break after long year
World Bank urges more Pakistan economic reforms
Pakistan stocks extend gains to end at 19-month high
US reviewers rave over Apple iPad
NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan
US anger at election claims prompt Karzai call
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
|
ElBaradei defies officials in Egypt with outdoor speech
Russia to help Venezuela's nuclear bid: Chavez
US-TECH Summary
French strike paralyses cross-Channel ferries
Gunmen kill up to 25 people in Baghdad: officials
|
Israel warns of new Gaza assault as US urges restraint
iPad still awaits the rush
CORRECTED-Sudan's opposition Umma party sets polls deadline
China journalist club shuts website after attack
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
|
Sharp to launch advanced 3D panels for mobile gear
Pentagon boosting Afghanistan eyes in the sky
|
Karzai tries to smooth spat with U.S. over speech
|
Putin bolsters oil, defense ties with Venezuela
|
Thai protesters target Bangkok's tourist centre
US sees biggest job growth in three years
Red Bull's Webber on top in final Malaysia GP practice
6 Afghan soldiers killed by friendly fire
Rescuers enter Chinese mine where 153 are trapped
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok's main shopping district
iPad still awaits the rush
|
Rescuers to enter Chinese mine where 153 trapped
Special N.Korean train arrives in China: report
FBI probes 'resign' ultimatum sent to governors
Thousands of vets missing out on better benefits
Kim seeks maiden LPGA win at first major of season
One dead, 8 missing in search for S.Korea sailors
3 adults, 3 children dead in Minneapolis fire
Japan asks China for 'appropriate decision' on yuan
Pentagon boosting Afghanistan "eyes in the sky"
Obama Gives Long Answer To A Short Health Care Question
FAA Relaxes Rule On Pilot Use Of Antidepressants
Obama Says More Sanctions Coming Against Iran For Nuclear Weapons Program
Second American woman charged in plot to kill Swede
News
Iranian firm got parts to enrich uranium: report
Titans shows muscle but can't slay Dragon
|
Report: Charlie Sheen wants to exit Men
|
Don McKay falls short of dark comic intentions
|
Elton John concert to go ahead despite Mayan anger
iPad seekers queue for first shot at new Apple gadget
Report: Charlie Sheen wants to exit "Men"
'Dynasty' actor John Forsythe dead at 92: publicist
Billboard singles reviews: Stone Temple Pilots, Macy Gray
"Red" a superb rendering of modern art history
Ahmadinejad "more determined" in face of world pressure
Gunmen storm Sunni enclave in Baghdad, kill 24
Yemen upholds death sentence in Israel spy case
Afghan upper house backs Karzai election decree
|
Gunmen in army uniforms massacre 25 people in Iraq
Thai protesters swarm Bangkok shopping district
|
Ahmadinejad rejects Obama's "beautiful words" to Iran
Jews outraged at Vatican scandal comparison
|
iPad seekers queue for first shot at Apple gadget
Sudan says election to start on time despite protest
|
Yemen upholds death sentence in Israel spy case
|
Greek PM calls for end to cronyism
|
U.N. chief troubled by Kyrgyz media crackdown
|
Thai protesters occupy capital's commercial center
Rescuers and divers enter China's flooded mine
Divers enter Chinese mine where 153 are trapped
North Korean cargo train sparks Kim trip speculation
Deposition: Levada defends decision on Ore. priest
SKorea says sailor's body found; 45 still missing
Sudan vote 'free and as fair as possible': US envoy
Reports: NKorean train arrives in China
US anger at election claims prompt Karzai call
Apple iPad has chips from Samsung, Broadcom, TI
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Courtney Love is back with a vengeance
Preachers Will Go Barefoot For Easter Services
"Married Too" a familiar blend of laughs, melodrama
Rubio Lands Rudy Guiliani's Endorsement In Florida
CORRECTED: "Titans" shows muscle but can't slay "Dragon"
Obama Signs Emergency Declaration For Flood-Hit New Jersey
Obama Addresses Jobs Report At Visit To Stimulus-Backed Factory
Struggling JAL to cut 50 routes: reports
Courtney Love is back with a vengeance
|
Red a superb rendering of modern art history
|
Billboard singles reviews: Stone Temple Pilots, Macy Gray
|
Married Too a familiar blend of laughs, melodrama
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights