Source: China View

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday met with Director of Russian Federal Service of Security(FSB) Nikolai Patrushev at the Miraflores Palace to discuss the visit of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to Venezuela and both navies' maneuver scheduled for Nov. 10-14 in the Caribbean Sea.

The joint military exercise "is not directed against the interests of other countries," Patrushev said, but seeks to contribute to the security of both countries

Russian navy's newest capital ship "Pyotr Veliky" and the nuclear cruiser Peter the Great, together with many Venezuelan ships will take part in the exercise.

The Russian warships departed on Sept. 22 from its base in the Barents Sea and will arrive in Venezuela after traveling 15,000 nautical miles and making a stop in Libya.

Patrushev is making an official visit to Venezuela, heading a delegation with the aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Venezuelan government said.

The "multi-faceted cooperation" between Venezuela and Russia was discussed during the meeting, Patrushev said, adding that he was satisfied with bilateral cooperation and had exchanged views with Chavez on the development of economic cooperation between both countries.

They also discussed issues concerning defense and interior affairs, drug trafficking control and the international situation.

Patrushev said President Medvedev would visit Caracas after the bilateral navy exercise. During his visit, both countries are expected to sign a range of agreements.