Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is to visit Venezuela in March, President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday at a cabinet meeting.

The Russian government confirmed that the issue of Putin's visit is being outlined.

"I touched upon this issue in [the Uruguayan capital] Montevideo with Russia's special envoy... They confirmed to me that Putin's visit will be held," Chavez said. The cabinet session was broadcast on national television.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the premier has an invitation and added that the final date "will be made public in line with the relevant procedure."

Relations between Russia and Venezuela have strengthened much in the past 10 years. The countries have concluded important economic and energy cooperation agreements, as well as military cooperation accords.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Venezuela in November 2008.

MOSCOW, March 3 (RIA Novosti)