Russia calls Venezuela a key partner

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chaves in Moscow. During the meeting, Medvedv called Venezuela an important partner.

Chavez said the uni-polar world has been destroyed, and that he is searching for a strategic relationship with Russia.

During talks with Chavez, Medvedev said the development of relations between Russia and Latin American countries has become crucial, with Venezuela being a key partner.

The two countries signed about 10 agreements including arms, energy and financial deals.

No details were given on the arms deal but Russia's state RIA news agency quoted a military source as saying Venezuela would buy 100 tanks for 500 million US dollars.

Medvedev says military cooperation is an integral part of bilateral ties and has pledged to continue arms supplies to Venezuela.

Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President, said, "We will supply the weapons that Venezuela asks for. In accordance with all international law, of course. And we will supply tanks as well, why not? We have good tanks. If our friends want our tanks, we will deliver them."

Chavez says the partnership is not directed against any other country.

Hugo Chaves, Venezuelan President, said, "It's a partnership that isn't against anyone. It's a product of our relationship and important for the national defense of Venezuela."

During the two-day visit to Russia, Chavez also recognized the independence of Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Venezuela has become the third country to recognize the breakaway regions after Russia and Nicaragua.