Lavrov: Russia welcomes Venezuela's interest in BRICS

(Patria) - Russia welcomes Venezuela's interest in BRICS, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during talks with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil Pinto on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, TASS reported.

"We are pleased to see you and your delegation in Nizhny Novgorod. We support Venezuela's interest in BRICS. As the presiding country, we will contribute to strengthening relations," Lavrov said.

Lavrov emphasized that the countries are "effectively cooperating in the energy and medical spheres".

"We are creating financial and logistical mechanisms that are resistant to external influences and ensure the independence of our relations, progressive development, and protection from illegitimate actions, primarily by Washington and its allies," Lavrov said.