Moscow and Caracas Expand Mutual Cooperation
Dec. 03, 09 (Hamsayeh.Net) - Russia plans to build a Kalashnikov Ak-103 assault rifles factory in Venezuela’s Aragua state and also export fifty-three Mi -17 military helicopters to Venezuela. The military deal is part of an accord between the two countries signed on August 15th this year.
The AK-103 is the upgraded version of the world famous AK-47 assault rifle, the most versatile and popular of this type of weapon around the world since the Second World War.
Russian Ambassador to Venezuela confirmed the deal saying the replacement of obsolete military equipment is a ‘natural process for any country,’ and assured that military cooperation between Moscow and Caracas is according to international rules and standards.
Venezuela under the leadership of President Hugo Chavez and his visions of a greater progress for all of Latin America has steadily moved his country out of the US and European sphere of influence, that for a long time considered Latin America as their backyard and a region to exploit its vast natural resources.
Russia’s cooperation with Venezuela isn’t only about military contracts. Moscow is also involved in joint projects to develop Orinico Belt region, which holds some the biggest oil reserves in the world as well as helping to explore natural gas off the Venezuelan coast.
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