St. Petersburg, Oct 1 (Prensa Latina) Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stressed today the diversification of ties with Latin America and the Caribbean and the inexhaustible potential for cooperation in a wide range of topics and areas.
Speaking at the Second International Forum "Russia and Latin America in a globalized world", Ryabkov spoke of the intensity of exchanges with a growing number of countries on the continent in current issues, such as the strengthening of international law, security and peace, with the UN in a central role.

He also pondered the agreement on the preservation of the cosmos as weapons-free zone, in strategies to address climate change, human rights, with respect for the diversity of approaches and criteria.

We approach increasingly, said the diplomat, relations based on respect, balance of interests and equity.

In charge of relations with the Western Hemisphere in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Ryabkov recognized Latin America as an area where dialogue prevails as a mechanism to solve problems and conflicts.

It is a model that deserves respect, stressed the diplomat, while highlighting the progress of the continent in the eradication of poverty and in economic development based on high technologies.

He reaffirmed in this regard the possibilities and opportunities opening for Russia in terms of trade and supplies.

The Deputy Foreign Minister gave importance to the signing in New York, in the context of the 70th session of the General Assembly, of an agreement for permanent dialogue between Russia and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), to the future of ties with the region.

The agreement was signed by the foreign ministers Sergei Lavrov and his counterparts from the CELAC, chaired this year by Ecuador.

Ryabkov said that the plenary of the Assembly gave his country the opportunity to strengthen contacts in the international arena with partners like Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil and Mexico.

The diplomat reaffirmed Russia's aspiration to turn Latin America into a visa-free zone, a determining factor in the dynamics of relations with the region, he said.

Ryabkov read a message from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the participants of the Forum, in which he highlights the priorities of Russian foreign policy in the wider geographical, socio-political and cultural area, representing Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the opening plenary among the speakers intervened the vice-governor of Saint Petersburg, Alexander Govorunov, and the general secretary of the Ibero-American summits, Rebeca Grynspan.