CARACAS – Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Caracas yesterday to meet the two main South American foes of the US and launch a $20 billion (€14.8 billion) venture to tap the vast Orinoco heavy oil belt.
Mr Putin will discuss energy, agriculture and defence with Venezuela’s leftwing president Hugo Chávez, and later hold talks with Bolivia’s president Evo Morales, both fierce critics of what they call US imperialism in Latin America.
Russian firms will launch a joint project with Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA aimed at pumping 450,000 barrels a day.
Mr Putin’s visit is a lift for Mr Chávez, who faces criticism for failing to solve Venezuela’s economic woes. – (Reuters)
