Pipe dreams: Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev talks of Bolivia deal
Russia in Bolivia pipe talks
Russian gas giant Gazprom is in talks to build a system of pipelines in Bolivia, President Dmitry Medvedev said, as the Kremlin launches a new push to boost its influence in South America.
Medvedev announced the plan after talks in the Kremlin with Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose visit to Moscow comes soon after similar trips by fellow leftist leaders Raul Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
"We spoke about Russia helping our friends in Bolivia with hydrocarbons and the construction of a gas transport system," Medvedev told Reuters after the meeting.
"A memorandum was signed with Gazprom, whose co-operation is moving into the practical sphere," he said, adding that work on the "strategic project" would run to 2030. He did not elaborate.
Medvedev said Russian efforts to boost ties with South America were not aimed at countering the US, traditionally the dominant power in the region.
Relations between Moscow and Washington hit a post-Cold War low under former US president George W. Bush, but President Barack Obama has raised hopes of a thaw since his inauguration in January.
Medvedev visited Cuba, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil during his first trip to South America in November.
"I told my colleague President Morales that this is not an opportunistic decision. It is not a wish to compete with anyone," Medvedev said.
"It is a conscious decision by our country that we think is beneficial both for us and for the countries of South America which are developing so fast."
Morales, the first Bolivian leader to visit Moscow since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries, said South Americans supported Russia's moves in the region.
"We acknowledge Russia's role as a global power," Morales said during the meeting. "We welcome Russia's return to Latin America."