Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has met with Russian officials to discuss bilateral agreements on everything from nuclear energy to direct flights connecting Caracas to Moscow, the Associated Press reported.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin headed a delegation of business leaders visiting Venezuela to
discuss development plans prior to Russian President Dimitri Medvedev's visit later this month.
Under the socialist leader, Venezuela has strengthened ties with Russia.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said Thursday the newly planned flight will connect Caracas directly to "the heart of Europe."
Sechin said that Russian aluminum company Rusal plans to build an aluminum-producing plant in Venezuela.