In a significant endorsement of Venezuela’s geopolitical aspirations, Russia officially expressed its support for the South American country to become a full member of the BRICS group.

According to the strategic partnership agreement signed between the presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin and Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, during the Venezuelan president’s official visit to Moscow, it is clearly stated that “Russia positively values the intention of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to join as a full member and cooperate closely in the BRICS association”, highlighted the document published on the Kremlin’s official website.

The document also contemplates the development of links between Venezuela and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), thus strengthening the integration of the Caribbean country into multilateral mechanisms alternative to the Western order.

Maduro arrived in Russian territory on Wednesday, May 7 with a delegation including key ministers and senior military commanders. Following the signing of the agreement with Putin, the Venezuelan president will remain in Russia to participate in the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

The bilateral agreement, with a ten-year term, establishes a road map to intensify binational cooperation in strategic sectors such as economy, investment, energy and mining, consolidating a relationship that already has more than 350 previous agreements in different areas.

Putin stressed that this strategic partnership “will create a solid basis for expanding multifaceted ties” between the two countries, while Maduro described the relationship as part of a process of “true national liberation” and a “second process of independence” for Venezuela.

The document also formalizes a technical-military cooperation aimed at “reinforcing the defense capacity and guaranteeing the security” of both nations, deepening an alliance that has been central to Venezuelan foreign policy during the last two decades.

Venezuela’s aspiration to join the BRICS is part of the strategy of diversification of international alliances that Caracas has implemented in the face of Western sanctions, seeking to strengthen its ties with emerging powers such as Russia, China and other members of the bloc.