Venezuela is ready to import Russian scientific developments for the oil and gas industry

On October 14, 2025, ahead of a meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Russian-Venezuelan Commission, the Venezuelan delegation discussed prospects for cooperation with Gubkin University.

Venezuela is interested in importing Russian scientific developments in the areas of geological exploration, oil field prospecting and development, and hydrocarbon processing. This was stated by Paola Cristina Henao Vera, Deputy Minister for Hydrocarbons of the Ministry of People's Power for Petroleum of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, at a meeting with the leadership of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University).

A meeting with a Venezuelan delegation consisting of representatives of the Ministry of People's Power of Oil, the state-owned oil company PDVSA, and the company PDVSA Rusia took place at Gubkin University in Moscow as part of preparations for the meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Russian-Venezuelan Commission.

The head of the delegation, Paola Cristina Henao Vera, emphasized that "fruitful collaboration" in scientific and educational areas had been established under the previously signed memorandum of cooperation with Gubkin University.

"Venezuela is interested in developing cooperation. Promising areas include organizing advanced training for Venezuelan company employees at Gubkin University, launching a master's program for training specialists in oil and gas field development, and expanding the range of research and development projects," noted Paola Cristina Henao Vera. The Venezuelan Ministry of People's Power of Oil will submit the relevant official requests to the university.

Gubkin University conducts research for more than 20 leading Russian oil and gas companies and international projects involving Russian organizations, noted Alexander Maksimenko, Vice Rector for International Affairs at Gubkin University. This includes ongoing development of technologies for hydrocarbon production offshore Venezuela.

"The university is ready to conduct research in the fields of geological exploration, prospecting, and development of hydrocarbon deposits, as well as oil and gas condensate refining technologies," said Alexander Maksimenko.

Meeting participants discussed mechanisms for implementing new areas of cooperation.

The Venezuelan delegation also visited the Offshore Drilling Center, which features unique simulators that allow virtual presence on an offshore drilling platform and practice of hydrocarbon production management skills in various situations, and met with students.

On October 16, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted to the State Duma a bill ratifying the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement with Venezuela. The document also envisages cooperation in the energy sector. Currently, there are five joint ventures operating in Venezuela engaged in oil production.