Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Venezuela on Friday for his first visit to the South American country.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Venezuela on Friday for his first visit to the South American country.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez personally greeted Putin at the airport in Caracas, although their meeting was scheduled later in the day.
An honor guard welcomed Putin and a military band performed the national anthems of the two countries.
During his one-day visit to Caracas, Putin is expected to discuss a wide range of military and economic issues with Chavez.
Putin's visit comes one day after Russia's celebrated Kruzenshtern sailing ship arrived in Venezuela as part of a five-month transatlantic voyage.
Putin and Chavez visited the ship, which will stay in the La Guaira port near Caracas for several days.
Chavez proposed that Russia and Venezuela exchange experience in training naval cadets.
“We can send our students and young fishermen to Russia,” Chavez said.
Putin and Chavez toured an exhibition dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the victory in World War II victory on board the Kruzenshtern.
They also visited the ship’s museum and signed the visitors’ book.
The ship’s captain, Mikhail Novikov, told Putin and Chavez that for the first time six girls are on board the Kruzenshtern, undergoing training as radio operators.
Chavez presented the ship's crew with a portrait of Admiral Miranda, a South American revolutionary.
