Russia has sent its former intelligence chief Nikolai Patrushev to Latin America to strengthen Moscow's relationship with countries in the region.
The head of Russia’s Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, is set to arrive in Venezuela on Oct. 16 as part of his Latin American tour. Patrushev will discuss intelligence and security cooperation with Venezuela, as he has with Argentina and Ecuador. Patrushev is one of the most powerful men in Russia. Thus, his travels ought not go unnoticed, and his choice of countries to visit piques Stratfor’s interest.
Patrushev stopped first in Argentina to discuss the sale of heavy lift helicopters (Argentina probably cannot afford them, but Russia has been known to give gifts) and the possibility of training Argentine astronauts. He also met with the Argentine defense, intelligence, foreign and prime ministers. In Ecuador, Patrushev discussed increasing economic and intelligence cooperation. But the official topics are not the most interesting aspect of Patrushev’s visits.