Venezuela makes overtures to Russia and China
President Hugo Chavez said Venezuela’s ties with nations like Russia and China have gained importance as the US moves to expand its military presence in Latin America.
Mr Chavez said there are now “much more significant reasons to accelerate cooperation plans with allied countries”.
The US is negotiating an agreement with Colombia to use seven bases there for anti-drug operations.
Mr Chavez called the plan a threat to the region, but Colombian and US officials said there is no reason for concern.
Mr Chavez said he plans to visit Russia and the former Soviet republic of Belarus within the next month. He added that Venezuela hopes to triple oil shipments to China over the next four years to one million barrels a day.
