Putin congratulates Venezuela's Maduro on re-election

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Nicolas Maduro on Monday after he declared victory in Venezuela's presidential election, the results of which were rejected by the country's opposition.

"Russian-Venezuelan relations have the character of a strategic partnership. I am confident that your work as the head of state will continue to contribute to their progressive development in all areas ... Remember that you are always welcome on Russian soil," Putin said, according to the Kremlin.

AFP