Venezuela, Russia Strengthen Military Cooperation - Prensa Latina

Armed forces of Russia and Venezuela are holding talks in preparation for joint naval maneuvers in the Caribbean by the end of 2008, Venezuelan Defense Minister Gustavo Rangel confirmed on Wednesday. The high ranking official termed positive the passage through Venezuela by two Russian TU-160 strategic bombers, which flew over the Atlantic as part of what he described as 'a more active, solid, productive cooperation.' At the end of a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, Rangel said that they discussed aspects of bilateral technical-military cooperation, in line with mutual needs. In the case of Venezuela, he explained that this is part of changes for the armed forces to adapt to new ages, so that they are able to operate as a State lever to help change society.