Russia, Venezuela Sign Nuclear Cooperation Deal

November 27, 2008 5:31 a.m. EST

Caracas, Venezuela (AHN) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev opened his visit in Venezuela with a nuclear cooperation agreement, a deal that could irk Washington.

The deal came after Medvedev inked a defense deal with Brazil, involving the sale of tanks and helicopters as well as boosting economic and trade ties between the two nations.

Medvedev and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez also signed accords on oil and gas explorations, industrial cooperation, and relaxing of visa requirements for citizens of each countries.

The Russian president's visit also highlights military cooperation in his talks with Chavez. The militaries of both countries are scheduled to conduct a joint naval war games starting December 1.

The Russian flagship missile cruiser Peter the Great and two support vessels, were already moored off La Guaira, near the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.

Russia has been trying to revitalize its influence in the region, particularly in leftist countries that were once its allies at the height of the Cold War.

Moscow's arms contract with Venezuela already totals $4.4 billion, supplying Caracas with fighter jets, radars, helicopters and tens of thousands of Kalashnikov rifles, triggering concerns from the U.S. and Colombia about a potential arms race in the region.

This was flatly denied by Venezuela.