Oct. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will seek to strengthen energy ties with a trip later this week to Russia, as the South American country looks to firm up investments for its energy industry.

Chavez, 51, said during a televised press conference from Salamanca, Spain, that he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after an official visit to Italy. Chavez, who was in Salamanca for a summit of presidents from Latin America with the leaders of Spain and Portugal, is scheduled to be in Italy until Monday.

Venezuela, the world's fifth-largest oil exporter, is trying to attract Russian investment in its heavy oil and offshore fields. OAO Gazprom, the world's largest natural-gas company, won development rights to off-shore fields in September.

Chavez, 51, last visited Russia in November. Energy and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez will travel to Moscow with Chavez.

To contact the reporter on this story: Peter Wilson in Caracas pewilson@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 16, 2005 14:09 EDT