国际英语新闻：Russia, Bolivia sign military, anti-drug co-op deals

MOSCOW, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Russian and Bolivian presidents inked a series of agreements here Monday, pledging to boost military ties and cooperation in fighting terrorism and drug trafficking.

    The agreements were signed after talks between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales at the Kremlin.

Bolivia's President Evo Morales (L) and Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev shake hands after signing documents in Moscow, February 16, 2009

"The presidents expressed their concern over the U.S. missile defense plan in Europe and NATO's ongoing eastward expansion, which contradicted the goals of peace and security," said a joint statement signed by the two presidents.

    The two sides confirmed the central role of the United Nations (UN) and urged reform of the UN under modern circumstances, "which would guarantee the organization's efficiency in the promotion of world peace and security."

Bolivia's President Evo Morales (R) and Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev meet in Moscow for talks, February 16, 2009

The heads of state said they supported the integration of Latin America and called for the earliest possible lifting of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba.

    Moscow may issue a loan to Bolivia to buy Russian-made arms, said Mikhail Dmitriyev, director of Russia's Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Service, who added that a number of helicopters may be supplied.

    "The issue is under consideration. If the loan is granted, it will be applicable to the entire range of military hardware," Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

    Morales arrived in Moscow on Sunday for his first official visit to Russia.