Bolivian President Evo Morales and Russian President Dimitry Medvedev in Moscow. Credit: Xinhua/Reuters
Russia’s recent increased ties with Latin American countries can hardly go unnoticed. In late 2008, Russian President Dimitry Medvedev paid visits to Venezuela and Cuba, Peru and Brazil, securing a host of bilateral deals. Medvedev concluded his visit by stating: “Russia has already returned to Latin America, including Cuba”. Read more about his visit here. Medvedev’s visit nearly coincided with joint naval exercises in the Caribbean performed by Russian and Venezuelan fleets. Moscow then sent a carrier through the Panama Canal, the first time a Russian warship has passed through since WWII.
Today, Bolivia’s President Evo Morales signed a series of bilateral deals with Medvedev in Moscow. The deals include pledges of increased military cooperation, and pledge to jointly fight terrorism and the drug trade. Even more importantly, Russia’s state gas firm Gazprom is in talks with the Bolivian government to secure a contract to build pipelines in the country. The agreement, if passed, would likely increase Russia’s energy prowess in Latin America and increase its competitive edge against the US’ traditional dominance there.
Medvedev gives a Russian bear-hug to Morales. Credit: Xinhua/Reuters
