Boris Johnson flew to Venezuela last month to meet the country’s controversial leader Nicolas Maduro.

spokesperson for the organization ex PM He confirmed the meeting after The Sunday Times reported he flew there for “informal talks” with Trump. president of venezuelawho are Russia’s allies.

The spokesman said Johnson met with Venezuelan government officials with the “active support” of Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The spokesman said the purpose of the meeting was to “underline the need for a proper democratic process in Venezuela.”

They added: “He has repeatedly made clear that there is no hope of normalizing relations unless Venezuela fully embraces democracy and respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors.”

“He also explained to the Venezuelan government the reasons for Ukraine’s victory.”

read more:
Johnson denies claim he asked for $1 million for interview
Drakeford fears Johnson’s handling of coronavirus is ‘real threat to Britain’s future’

Johnson texted Lord Cameron as he was on his way to what a spokesman for the British foreign secretary described as a “private visit.”

Johnson has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country during his tenure as prime minister, and his relationship with the president is strong Vladimir Zelensky The move has continued since his resignation last year.

Maduro is seen by many countries as an authoritarian leader who does not allow free and fair elections, and the United States and Britain claim his 2018 re-election was illegitimate.

But Russia and China have often backed the controversial leader, who first became Venezuela’s interim president after the death of Hugo Chavez in March 2013.

In early 2019, violent protests broke out in Venezuela following his re-election. Kremlin calls Maduro ‘legitimate president’ and said attempts to deport him were illegal.

Mr Maduro remains in power despite other coup attempts while the country continues to experience a political and economic crisis that has led to millions of Venezuelans leaving the country since 2015.

Johnson’s spokesman’s comments about Maduro needing to “respect the territorial integrity of neighboring countries” appeared to be a reference to Venezuela’s disputes with its neighbors. Guyana Fly over jungle areas that contain large amounts of oil and gas.

The area in dispute is Essequibo in western Guyana – a 62,000 square mile area surrounding the Essequibo River. Guyana and Venezuela both claim the island, a dispute that dates back to the late 19th century, when Guyana was a British colony.

Tensions have escalated since Venezuela held a referendum in early December, with an overwhelming majority of voters said to support the government’s claim to Essequibo.