Venezuelan Defense Minister Dispels Concerns Over Russian Aircraft Presence In Country

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez explained on Tuesday the presence of the Russian Aerospace Forces' aircraft in the country, saying that the Russian airplanes arrived in Venezuela for joint flights with the country's airplanes and posed no threat.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th December, 2018) Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez explained on Tuesday the presence of the Russian Aerospace Forces' aircraft in the country, saying that the Russian airplanes arrived in Venezuela for joint flights with the country's airplanes and posed no threat.

On Monday, two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers landed at Simon Bolivar International Airport in the Venezuelan capital. In addition, Russian An-124 military transport aircraft and Il-62 arrived at Caracas.

"Let nobody be afraid of the presence of these livelihood airplanes, bombers, fighters and strategic bombers that landed on the Venezuelan territory.

We are building peace rather than waging war," the minister said welcoming the arrival of the Russian aircraft, as quoted by the Telesur broadcaster.

According to the minister, the joint flights with the Russian aircraft are aimed at training Venezuela to protect itself against any aggression.

Later this week, a Russian delegation for defense industry cooperation will arrive in Venezuela to revise and improve the work of the Russian weapons systems adopted by the country, the broadcaster added.