Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin (Reuters)
The governments of Venezuela and Russia signed bilateral accords worth $8 billion US dollars last week, in the areas of development, technical-military cooperation, energy, and agriculture. The accords were signed at a meeting in Caracas between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Russian deputy prime minister Igor Sechin, who headed the Russian delegation to Venezuela. Of those $8 billion, 4 will be devoted to military cooperation and arms sales.
This news simply confirms the good health of the friendly relationship between Russia and Venezuela, two countries that share many common interests, like control over energy sources and opposition to U.S. cultural and military hegemony. The agreement includes financial aid to housing, agricultural and intercultural programs, but it is important to remark that half of those $8 billion will be used to finance the purchase of new military armaments by Venezuela, a country that has not been exactly Washington’s best friend since Hugo Chávez came to power. In fact, the U.S. has voiced concerns over Venezuelan purchases of arms from Russia, with a state department spokesperson questioning “the need for Venezuela to have such a robust defence system”. I have chosen this news because I think it is important for us to know about this kind of international alliances, which challenge American hegemony and show different national interests. With this agreement, for instance, Venezuela shows its desire for modern armament and its need of “protection,” while it proves Russia’s intention of having another friendly country in the Americas besides Cuba.
Source: http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6545
I do agree with Antonio that these bilateral accords are reflecting the good relationship between Venezuela and Russia and are extremely important in the field of International Politics. Both of the countries share common interests, especially the opposition to the American hegemony. And, in my opinion they are acting according their national interests, but without neglecting their foreign policy. Chavez emphasizes the importance of the agreement for defense and he consistently states his commitment to a “multi-polar” world, where U.S. interests do not dominate international politics and organizations. However, Chavez needs new military armament in order to achieve this protection he is talking about. Hugo Chávez needs to buy Russian arms, and Russia is welcoming this deal because it wants another “friend” in the Americas.
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