Hugo Chavez stated that he called specifically to express solidarity with the Russian people, condolences to the families of the victims, and sympathy to those who suffered as a result of the natural disasters that hit Russia. He particularly noted that having carefully followed reports from Russia, he has a very good impression of the decisive measures taken by the President and Government of Russia to localise wildfires and overcome their aftermath.
Dmitry Medvedev thanked Hugo Chavez for his words of support and his offer of assistance.
During the conversation, the two leaders discussed practical aspects of bilateral cooperation ahead of the Venezuelan President’s visit to Russia. It was agreed that instructions would be given to the Government to pay particular attention to certain issues in order to reach new, large-scale decisions at the bilateral summit for promoting Russian-Venezuelan trade and economic cooperation.
The presidents also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest on the regional and international agenda.
The conversation was initiated by the Venezuelan side.