Diplomatic talks between Venezuela and Russia have advanced toward setting a definitive date for President Nicolas Maduro’s visit to Moscow. Venezuelan ambassador to Russia, Jesus Rafael Salazar Velazquez, indicated that both governments are actively negotiating a moment for the formal welcome by President Vladimir Putin. The exchange reflects a careful balance of diplomatic calendars and a shared goal to strengthen bilateral cooperation while accommodating busy schedules, as conveyed to reporters through TASS.
According to the diplomat, Caracas and Moscow are aligned on the aim of scheduling Maduro’s Moscow trip at a time that best serves the interests of both nations. The plan is to create an encounter that enables leaders to review the breadth of their strategic partnership, including energy cooperation, defense, and regional diplomacy, while signaling a mutual commitment to sustained international dialogue. Both sides remain engaged as they assess security considerations, global events, and the ceremonial aspects of the visit.
Earlier in December 2023, Vladimir Putin invited Maduro to Moscow during a phone conversation, with the understanding that an official visit would take place after the New Year, with expectations for 2024. This outline underscored ongoing efforts to reinforce ties between Caracas and Moscow across several sectors, such as political coordination and multifaceted bilateral programs that have characterized their relationship in recent years, according to Russian and Venezuelan officials and summarized by TASS.
On December 20, the Russian president’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Maduro would visit Russia as planned, with the visit scheduled for the end of 2023. The remark highlighted the Kremlin’s emphasis on maintaining a predictable schedule for high-level exchanges and reaffirming ongoing cooperation at the executive level. The timing discussions at that moment were part of a broader rhythm of diplomacy aimed at aligning the agendas of both nations in a rapidly evolving international landscape, according to official communications cited by TASS.
Earlier statements from Yuri Ushakov, the Russian Presidential Deputy for International Affairs, indicated that Maduro’s Moscow visit was being arranged for December 2023. These remarks emphasized a shared focus on a stable timeline for engagement that could yield concrete outcomes in areas ranging from energy and infrastructure to geopolitical coordination with key partners. The discourse around the visit also touched on potential dialogue about regional matters, including the Essequibo region, a topic that has periodically featured in high-level discussions between Moscow and Caracas as part of their broader strategic dialogue.
Historically, talks between Putin and Maduro have addressed regional dynamics and opportunities for collaboration in energy, defense, and geopolitical influence. The current effort to finalize the visit date continues that thread and reflects a mutual interest in reinforcing institutional ties. As both governments navigate regional challenges and international sensitivities, the Maduro-Moscow engagement stands as a visible symbol of ongoing partnership and shared intent to shape regional balance amid a complex global context. The ongoing scheduling process remains a key element of this longer-term diplomatic narrative, with officials in both capitals closely monitoring developments and ready to adjust as circumstances require, as reported by TASS.