Chavez In Moscow To Boost Bilateral Ties

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has arrived in Moscow in a bid to boost bilateral ties.

An agreement to develop nuclear energy, the purchase of Russian tanks, and a binational bank are all on the agenda when Chavez meets senior Russian officials.

In the past three years Chavez has bought at least $5 billion in weapons including fighter jets, antiaircraft missile systems, and tanks from Russia.

Moscow, which is seeking to export atomic energy expertise, defends its deals with Venezuela, which is a signatory of nonproliferation treaties.

compiled from agency reports