Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that his government recognised Abkhazia and South Ossetia when he was hosted by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow. Chávez also announced that formal diplomatic relations would be established with both republics.[4] Relations between Abkhazia and Venezuela had already been good before recognition. Deputy of the National Assembly of Venezuela Luis Tascón Gutiérrez visited Abkhazia in November 2006 and declared that Abkhazia had friends in Venezuela and that Venezuela would support its quest for independence.[5] President Chávez also defended Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008, stating "Russia has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.