It is the first time the country with close ties to Moscow has hosted a competition for the annual games that pits Iran, India, China and even Cuba.
Venezuela has been hosting the “Sniper Frontier” event of the 2022 International Military Games since Monday, a competition organized since 2015 by Russia and in which countries such as China, Iran, India, Cuba and Burma participate.
The opening ceremony, which was broadcast partly live on Venezuelan public television, was lively with parades, songs and speeches at Fort Terepaima de Barquisimeto, in the country’s northwest.
“Uniting culture and society”
This is the first time that Venezuela, which maintains close ties with Russia, has hosted a competition for this annual game that brings together some thirty countries, including Abkhazia, which is recognized by a handful of countries close to Moscow.
Venezuela, which has been the target of economic sanctions, particularly from Washington, which does not recognize the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, has in recent years also grown closer to Iran and China.
“The goal, the spirit of the game is to unite culture and people more” than to demonstrate military skills, said Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez.
According to his ministry, a delegation of 200 Venezuelan soldiers has also been sent to Russia to participate in other events of the game.
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