Venezuela launches talks with Russia for new weapons systems

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Aug 2023 19:53
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Caracas initiated the dialogue during the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS).

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gives a speech during the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) in Moscow, Russia on August 14, 2023 (Russian media)

Venezuela initiated talks with Russia to acquire new weapons systems as Caracas eyes strengthening defense ties with Moscow as part of global efforts between countries that oppose US-led Western hegemony.

During their visit to the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS), a Venezuelan delegation discussed the potential purchase with Russian state-owned defense exporter Rosoboronexport, Vice Minister for Planning and Development at the Defense Ministry Renier Urbaez Fermin told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"As part of this conference, we have scheduled bilateral meetings with representatives of the [Russian state-owned defense corporation] Rostec complex, in particular, Rosoboronexport. We want to see their new projects. We already had a meeting yesterday and will continue communication today," he said.

Fermin announced that an AK-103 Kalashnikov production plant is set to become operational later this year. The agreement was signed off in 2001, but a number of factors stalled the launching of the facility.

"Everything is almost ready," he confirmed.

Running from August 14 to 20, the Army-2023 defense industry forum serves as a comprehensive platform for global defense discussions. Notably, Sputnik has been designated as the event's official media partner.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin made a speech at the beginning event and called for increased cooperation between the participating states to ensure global security.

"Today, it is clear that it is possible to reduce confrontation at the global and regional levels, neutralize challenges and risks, strengthen trust between states, and open up broad opportunities for their development only by uniting the efforts of the international community," Putin said.

The President revealed that Western states plan on integrating NATO forces with AUKUS, a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

"We do not rule out that the matter is heading towards full integration of NATO forces with the AUKUS bloc structures that are being created."

Putin stressed that the US' so-called Indo-Pacific strategy is in fact "aimed at creating military-political associations controlled by Washington," which seeks to "reformat the system of interstate cooperation" in the Asia-Pacific region to secure its interest.

The head of the Russian state stressed Moscow's support for a multipolar world order, "based on the priority of norms and principles of international law, the sovereignty and equality of states, constructive cooperation and trust."