THE TELEGRAPH: Russia has agreed to help Venezuela draw up plans for a nuclear power plant and space programme, President Hugo Chavez announced.
Atomic energy was one of many areas of co-operation discussed as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the South American country.
"We're ready to start drawing up the first plan of a nuclear power plant, obviously with peaceful aims," Mr Chavez said.
Mr Chavez had announced plans to turn to Russia for nuclear help in the past.
He did not give details on how much Venezuela is prepared to invest, or how long it might take.
Russia and Venezuela also launched a joint business to tap vast oil deposits in eastern Venezuela and Mr Chavez said Moscow has offered to help Venezuela set up its own space industry including a satellite launch site.
Mr Putin also pledged to keep selling arms to Venezuela. Mr Chavez's government has already bought more than $4 billion (£2.6bn) in Russian weapons since 2005, including helicopters, fighter jets and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles.
"We will continue supporting and developing Venezuela's defence capabilities," said Mr Putin, who headed back to Moscow after the one-day visit. >>> | Saturday, April 03, 2010
