Russian FM says specialists in Venezuela legitimate, citing mutual agreement

The presence of Russian specialists in Venezuela is in line with a military-technical cooperation Agreement between the two countries, which does not need the approval of the Venezuelan National Assembly, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"Russia develops cooperation with Venezuela in strict compliance with the country's Constitution and with full respect for its legislation," the ministry said in a statement.

The Agreement between the two governments on military-technical cooperation was signed in May 2001 and ratified by both countries, the statement said, without providing further details about the specialists.

No additional approval by the Venezuelan National Assembly is required for the development of bilateral military-technical cooperation, the ministry added.

On Saturday, two Russian air force planes landed in Venezuela, carrying nearly 100 troops and 35 tons of materials, according to media reports.

Venezuela has been in political tension since Jan. 23 when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself the Latin American country's interim president and was recognized by the United States and some other countries.