In a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro, the Russian president invited the Venezuelan leader to visit Moscow for an official visit after the New Year in 2024. This invitation was reported by the Kremlin’s official site. The Kremlin press service stated that the invitation for a 2024 official visit to Russia had been confirmed.
On December 20, the Russian president’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, noted that Maduro would not make an official visit to Russia until the end of 2023 as had been previously planned. Earlier, Yuri Ushakov, the president’s foreign policy adviser, had indicated that Maduro’s visit to Moscow was being prepared for December 2023, though he could not specify exact dates. Maduro is recognized as one of Moscow’s strongest supporters in Latin America, and there is broad expectation that the leaders of the two countries would meet in Russia during this period, potentially sign signing an agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation. The discussions are framed as a step toward deepening ties and aligning on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Previously, the leaders engaged in talks about the Essequibo region, a topic of long-standing concern that touches on regional security and resource management. The dialogue appears to reflect a broader strategy to maintain cooperative channels between Caracas and Moscow, with public statements emphasizing a shared interest in political and economic collaboration. As plans unfold, observers anticipate how the planned visit could influence bilateral projects and agreements, including sectors such as energy, defense, and development assistance that have historically featured prominently in their relations.