Russia said the main aim of the ship's visit to the region was to "show the flag and ensure a naval presence in operationally important areas" of the Atlantic Ocean.

It said that the frigate Admiral Gorshkov -- one of Russia's most advanced warships capable of carrying hypersonic missiles -- and oil tanker Academic Pashin, both from its Northern Fleet, docked in La Guaira.

The ships visited Cuba last month along with a Russian nuclear-powered submarine, having completed "an exercise in the use of high-precision missile weapons," according to the Russian defence ministry.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is a strong supporter of Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, whom he has described as "our older brother".

The visit came as Maduro is seeking re-election in a July 28 vote.

Russia is a key ally of Maduro's leftist government, which has presided over the economic collapse of the oil-rich nation and is itself under crippling Western sanctions aimed at forcing Maduro from power.

"The business call will last a few days, after which the Northern fleet sailors will continue carrying out their assigned tasks in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean," the Russian ministry said.

bur/gv

ADMIRAL GROUP