MOSCOW, March 17, 2004. (RIA Novosti) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez on Wednesday.
The Venezuelan President congratulated Vladimir Putin on his reelection and expressed best wishes to Russian people, the Kremlin press service said.
According to preliminary data, Vladimir Putin polled over 71% of votes in the March 14 presidential election.
The two leaders also discussed issues concerning the development of bilateral relations, the press service added.
