Russia interested in politically strong, economically stable Latin America, says official

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. Latin America and the Caribbean presents the world with a unique experience in the solution of political and economic conflicts, Alexander Shchetinin, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Latin American department told TASS. "Latin America is an extremely interesting region," he said. "It’s interesting thanks to its history, a very particular culture, and the unbelievable threads that link its destiny to the destiny of our country." "That’s a region where the Russians get amicable treatment, where people have friendly feelings towards us and where our place and role in today’s world enjoys true respect," Shchetinin said. "Unfortunately, mass media perceive this region from a simplistic standpoint sometimes but still it furnishes the world with a unique experience in resolving political and economic problems, which deserves an intensive professional study," he said. "I’m confident the picture of our world loses some of its bright colors without Latin America or without the understanding of processing that are unfolding there." Latin America and the Caribbean also is an important continent in the sense that it does not emanate major international conflicts, Shchetinin said. "This region is committed to international law and respect for the rights of other peoples is synonymous with peace there. This is a region of self-styled integrational processes developing on the basis of ‘unity in diversity’ formula." "That’s why we have interest in dealing with a strong, politically influential and economically stable Latin America," he said. "Russia maintains fruitful ties with all the countries there proceeding from exactly that principle." To support his statement, Shchetinin said Russia had visa-free travel agreements with the majority of countries in Central and South America. "That’s a weighty sign of mutual trust," he said. Read more