(El Universal) - "Venezuela and Russia continue being strategic partners in energy issues, said in Moscow Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, as quoted by official news agency Itar-Tass.

Chávez made the remarks during the opening of the Cultural Center for Latin American Integration in Moscow, where he arrived for an official visit, DPA reported.

The Venezuelan head of state thanked Russian companies and other foreign companies for their involvement in Venezuela, as opposed to the US oil firms that quit their interests there.

With regard to oil prices, the Venezuelan ruler praised Russia, which, along with Norway and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) prevented the barrel of crude oil from being sold at excessively low prices".