BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

06/12/2007

Lukashenko on official visit to Venezuela

MINSK. Dec 6 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko departed on an official visit to Venezuela on Thursday, the presidential office told Interfax.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has visited Minsk twice, in July 2006 and June 2007. The presidents agreed on strategic cooperation and defined key areas of bilateral relations, the presidential office said.

Despite the vast distance between the two countries, Belarus and Venezuela have made considerable progress in their cooperation. A number of successful projects have been launched.

"Our country should broaden its presence in Venezuela. The Venezuelan factor is important for Belarus, as it helps to strengthen the Belarusian presence in Latin America," Lukashenko said.

Source:

http://www.interfax.com/3/343457/news.aspx