Chavez hails Bolivian ally with energy, aid deals

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offered Bolivian president-elect Evo Morales energy and economic cooperation on Tuesday to seal ties between socialist allies united in their opposition to Washington.

Chavez said the world’s No. 5 oil exporter would supply Bolivia with diesel fuel in exchange for farm products, help finance social programs and support Morales’ crusade to protect coca crops against U.S. eradication campaigns.