The Venezuelan and Russian presidents met in southern Russia Friday as the countries agreed to expand energy and military ties in an effort to close ranks in opposition to the United States.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is due to land in Russia on Thursday for a two-day visit as the two countries extend military ties and close rank in opposition to the United States.

Chavez travels to Moscow from China, and will meet with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at his country residence at 8 pm (1700 GMT), Putin's press office said.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday before the two sides signed an oil cooperation deal and several economic agreements.

The Chinese government gave no immediate details of the oil agreement but it said other documents covered economic cooperation, education and justice.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with Chinese leaders and the expected signing of several economic deals.

A Russian Navy battalion left for Venezuela on Monday, a navy spokesman said, in a show of force in US-patrolled waters that could exacerbate a tense security standoff with Washington.

Venezuela and Russia plan to deepen bilateral ties, expanding economic, technological and military cooperation, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said Tuesday.

The South American country was one of Russia's most trusted partners, Sechin said after a meeting with Venezuelan Vice President Ramon Carrizales.

The United States on Friday froze the assets of two high-ranking Venezuelan intelligence officials accused of arming rebels in neighbouring Colombia, amid a growing diplomatic standoff between Cara

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez was in South Africa on Tuesday for talks with President Thabo Mbeki on strengthening ties between one of the world's largest oil producers and Africa's second-largest consu