Bolivia’s Evo Morales and Russia’s Vladimir Putin to hold talks in Moscow

Bolivian President Evo Morales will meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia today to discuss humanitarian, trade, military and investment cooperation.

Bolivia is interested in a military technology transfer, including the procurement of Russian fighter jets to replace American-made jets in its trainer fleet. Bolivia’s Air Force has vested interest in Russian-made military equipment and Morales will use these bilateral meetings to set the basis for procurement negotiations.

Morales’ visit is a continuation of the solid bilateral relationship between the two countries, considering Bolivia’s decidedly anti-American stance. This is exhibited by his support for Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela over Juan Guaido – a stance taken by Russia as well.

While Bolivia is not as blessed as Venezuela with regards to raw materials (though still possessing crude and gas deposits), Russia still sees it as the most viable Pro-Chavist link in the region. Those same deposits could also be a point of interest for Russian investors going forward. Both countries will also be present at a multilateral meeting on August 6 in Lima, Peru to further discuss the Venezuelan political situation.

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