Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, currently on a visit to Russia, signed a series of cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding Thursday with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev to boost economic and political ties, local media reported.

The agreements cover areas such as agriculture, fishing, space research for peaceful uses, telecommunications and energy.

The two sides also agreed to cooperate in the field of education. President Medvedev said about 5,000 Nicaraguan students have so far graduated from Russian universities and institutions.

Calling Nicaragua a key and strategic partner of Russia in Latin America, Medvedev stressed Russia's willingness to boost bilateral economic cooperation and trade, which is practically nil at the moment.

In a joint statement, both presidents made a call, among other things, to stand up against external pressures against Nicaragua.

The United States has threatened to cancel aid to Nicaragua over alleged election fraud during the November municipal elections.

Russian Vice Prime Minister Igor Sechin said Russia also has plans to develop hydroelectric and thermal plants in Nicaragua.

He added that Russia is also studying joint initiatives with Nicaraguan cacao growers, and Russian businessmen are considering a cooperation agreement with the Central American nation on fishing and fish processing.

Ortega arrived in Moscow Wednesday evening for a visit aimed at reviving political and economic ties with Russia.