BUENOS AIRES, August 14 (RIA Novosti) – Nicaragua is in talks with Russia over the acquisition of naval and aircraft hardware, specifically high-speed powerboats, Spain’s EFE news agency reports, quoting Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.
“We are seriously engaging with Russia over the naval forces issue, and we’ve touched upon air force domain as well,” President Ortega said Wednesday during a speech dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Naval Forces. In particular, Ortega said Nicaragua is negotiating with Moscow on the purchase of high-speed powerboats with long-range capabilities.
The talks over the acquisition of new hardware are being held in order to facilitate Nicaragua’s fight against the drug trade and organized crime. Nicaragua also wants to tackle humanitarian issues, maintain peace and defend its independence, EFE said quoting the Central American nation’s leader.
Back in 2008, Nicaragua supported Moscow by recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Central American country also recognized the incorporation of Crimea into Russia in mid-March of 2014. The country’s deputy prime minister earlier told RIA Novosti that the country’s authorities think the people of Crimea made a legitimate choice by voting to rejoin Russia in a referendum.
