Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Thursday arrived in Moscow to boost Venezuela-Russia relations and address issues related to oil prices in the world markets.

Chávez is scheduled to meet Friday at the Kremlin with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Thursday, the Venezuelan President is to attend meetings, round tables and conferences with local businesspeople, intellectuals and students.

Also on Thursday, Chávez is to hold a meeting with Russian oil business representatives. He is to meet with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, and attend a forum at the Russian Philosophy Academy, news agency EFE reported.

According to Russian and Venezuelan sources, at the Kremlin, both presidents are to review bilateral relations and address major international issues.

They are expected to sign several agreements previously negotiated by Venezuelan Vice President José Vicente Rangel during his visit to Moscow on October.

"Russia and Venezuela have an interest in the stability of the world energy market and they are to continue to hold a bilateral dialogue and global cooperation in this field," Wednesday said Alexandr Yakovenko, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry.