June 24 (Bloomberg) -- President Hugo Chavez said he will continue to strengthen Venezuela's military with the help of Russia.

Without Russia's help, Venezuela would have been blocked from modernizing its military after the U.S. stopped selling it arms, Chavez said today during a speech commemorating National Armed Forces Day. Venezuela's vice president and defense minister will travel to Russia later today to meet with government officials, Chavez said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Daniel Cancel in Caracas at dcancel@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: June 24, 2008 16:50 EDT