Russia to help Venezuela solve socio-economic problems: parliament leader

Russia will continue to assist Venezuela in resolving its socio-economic problems, including providing humanitarian assistance, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said Sunday.

Russian Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko. [File Photo: IC]

Matviyenko, during talks with visiting Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, stressed the need to increase bilateral economic cooperation and for agreements to be reached at the Russian-Venezuelan Intergovernmental High Level Commission in early April.

"We oppose outside interference in the affairs of sovereign states. Resolving the artificially created crisis in Venezuela is possible only through the establishment of inclusive national dialogue," she said.

She welcomed the position repeatedly expressed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro that his government is ready for such dialogue.

Rodriguez said Venezuela intends to strengthen ties with Russia in every possible way in energy, trade, and finance.

"This will contribute to the emergence of new cooperation mechanisms. We see huge potential," she said.

On Friday, Rodriguez met State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow.