Russia, Venezuela sign military agreements

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Russia and Venezuela signed military agreements on Thursday. The military agreements were reached during Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's two-day visit to Russia.

A 500 million US dollar contract for 100 T-72 and T-90 tanks was the heaviest item in Chavez's luggage. This did not come as a big surprise.

Russia and Venezuela maintained frequent high-level exchanges in recent years.

Military cooperation was an integral part of the bilateral ties.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said, "As for our military and technical cooperation with Venezuela - it is an important part of our relations and we are not hiding this fact. And I must say such contracts are not always signed publicly. We will supply Venezuela the weapons they 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."

The development of relations between Russia and Latin American countries has become crucial.

Venezuela was a key partner in this respect.

Western countries are more concerned about the deals, While Chavez says the country is not flexing its military muscles at any country.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez 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."

The details of the military agreement were not released yet.

But it is believed orders from Venezuela, which signed 12 arms contracts with Russia worth more than 4.4 billion U.S. dollars between 2005 and 2007, will give a boost to Russia's arms business amid the ongoing economic crisis.