Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector after the administration of President Donald Trump indicated to Chevron to leave Caracas. Putin emphasized in a videoconference with Maduro on Friday night, which was shown on Venezuelan state television, that both countries are "strategic partners" and are aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Maduro stressed that Moscow and Caracas have elevated their relations to "higher levels in various areas." Maduro was re-elected for a third term in the presidential chair in July 2024, however, the opposition in Venezuela and Western countries rejected the announced results of the elections.
Putin was among the foreign leaders who sent congratulations to Maduro on his victory in the elections.
