Venezuela to supply fuel to Turkey

CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Venezuela says it has agreed to sell fuel to Turkey and that the two countries have pledged to invest jointly in oil projects.

The agreements are part of an energy accord signed by Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro during a visit to Ankara.

The foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday that Turkey will receive fuel and that the countries will cooperate in oil projects, including planned Turkish investment in Venezuela’s crude-rich Orinoco River basin.

It did not give details of projected investment or how much fuel would be sold.

President Hugo Chavez has sought to diversify Venezuela’s oil industry and boost exports to allies while reducing dependence on the United States, the top buyer of Venezuelan oil.