Russian President Dmitri Medvedev said Russia would help Venezuela develop nuclear power, adding that Moscow would participate in a socialist trade bloc in Latin America led by President Hugo Chavez.

Russia is seeking to expand its political and military ties in the region, historically known as a U.S. sphere of influence.

Chavez said he wasn't trying to provoke the United States but added that he welcomed the Russian presence as U.S. influence wanes.

Russia plans to develop a nuclear cooperation program with Venezuela by the end of next year, said Sergey Kirienko, head of the Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency.

Chavez said he wanted the nuclear reactor for civilian energy purposes.

© 2008 Newsroom.