Chavez Seeks to Broaden Energy Ties With Russia

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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will seek to strengthen energy ties with a trip later this week to Russia, as the South American country looks to firm up investments for its energy industry.

Chavez, 51, said during a televised press conference from Salamanca, Spain, that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after an official visit to Italy. Chavez, who was in Salamanca for a summit of presidents from Latin America with the leaders of Spain and Portugal, is scheduled to be in Italy until Monday.

Venezuela, the world's fifth-largest oil exporter, is trying to attract Russian investment in its heavy oil and offshore fields. OAO Gazprom, the world's largest natural-gas company, won development rights to off-shore fields in September.

Chavez, 51, last visited Russia in November. Energy and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez will travel to Moscow with Chavez.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000086&sid=agoLgTeT7mCg&refer=latin_america

[DemInDistress]

1. good for Hugo

when I can I fill up my tank with gasoline from CITGO.I support
Hugo's efforts to thumb his nose at this Bush Crime Family..

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2. How is this a thumb in anyone's nose? It's just business.

It happens all the time all over the world every day.

[MasonJar]

3. Ditto on Citgo. I never go to Exxon, etc. DUers join us; hunt up

your very own Citgo. Has anyone heard whether the US companies started paying the fees that they owed to Venezuela?