Russian warships arrive in Venezuela to conduct joint exercises

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-26-2008 10:05

A fleet of Russian warships has arrived in Venezuela to conduct joint naval exercises, which include aerial war, anti-drug trafficking, and anti-terrorism.

A Russian warship arrives at the port of La Guaira outside Caracas November 25, 2008.REUTERS/Jorge Silva

The exercises which are set to start on Wednesday are being closely watched by the US And they coincide with the visit of Russia's President, Dmitry Medvedev. He is due in Venezuela also on Wednesday.

Among the flotilla is the giant nuclear-powered battle cruiser called "Peter the Great", as well as a destroyer, tanker and other smaller vessels.

The Venezuelan military says over one thousand Russian soldiers would participate in the exercises, alongside 600 Venezuelan troops.

Venezuelan authorities say the joint maneuvers and Medvedev's visit will strengthen cooperation ties between the two countries.