Foreign Minister Lavrov: Venezuela is Russia's strategic partner

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Photo: TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared his support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently under pressure from the West.

According to Xinhua News Agency, on March 1, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed President Putin's words of support and solidarity to leader Maduro during talks with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is currently visiting Russia.

During the talks, Foreign Minister Lavrov stressed that Venezuela is Russia's strategic partner. Moscow wishes to cooperate closely and coordinate actions with Venezuela on the international arena.

According to Foreign Minister Lavrov, Venezuela is experiencing a direct attack and interference in its internal affairs. Russia opposes such actions and wants to maintain the rules and norms set by the UN Charter.

The diplomat made it clear that Moscow supports the steps taken by President Maduro's administration in resolving economic and social issues.

At a joint press conference afterward, Ms. Rodriguez affirmed that Venezuela will continue to strengthen relations with Russia and expand bilateral cooperation.

A truck carrying humanitarian goods was burned at the border between Venezuela and Colombia on February 23. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On the same day, the US announced sanctions against six Venezuelan security officials accused by Washington of obstructing aid from entering the South American country.

In a statement, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Washington imposed sanctions on President Maduro's security forces because they obstructed relief efforts in Venezuela last weekend. This is the second time this week the US has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials.

Previously, on February 25, the US Treasury Department also announced sanctions against four state governors close to President Maduro for obstructing humanitarian aid work.

For his part, Venezuelan Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez affirmed that Western media had published false information to blame President Maduro's government for causing violence at the border with Colombia and burning trucks carrying humanitarian aid.

Minister Rodriguez added that Venezuelan security forces have arrested two people related to this incident.

The socio-political situation in Venezuela is very tense after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself "interim president" of the country.

President Maduro said this was a coup plot. The US and some Western countries expressed support for Mr. Guaido, sent an "ultimatum" to President Maduro, demanding early presidential elections.

Meanwhile, countries such as Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria and Türkiye expressed support for constitutional President Maduro./.