Alexander Shchetinin,
Director of the Latin American Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Director of the Latin American Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
Alexander Shchetinin, Director of the Latin American Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in an interview with “Eurasian Dialogue”ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
– Mr. Shchetinin, on 1 January 2025, Brazil—a nation playing a leading role in advancing the Global South agenda—assumed the BRICS Presidency. What issues will the new presidency put at the forefront? Do its priori-ties align with those of Russia?
– In 2025, Brazil took the baton of BRICS presidency from Russia. The cross-cutting theme for this year is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustain-able Governance.” Our Brazilian partners aim to focus on further expanding interaction with the Global South, pursue work across the spectrum of multifaceted cooperation, and particularly bring socio-economic and environmental issues to the forefront—emphasis will be placed on reforming the multilateral system for maintaining peace and security, enhancing co-operation in healthcare, combating socially significant and tropical diseases, boosting mutual trade and investment, expanding the use of national currencies and creating sustainable financial mechanisms for mutual settlements, deepening industrial and technological ties, addressing climate change, and promoting inclusive and responsible AI governance.
Given the expansion of BRICS and the accession of “partner countries,” a new category of membership, at the Kazan Summit in October 2024— a status granted to nine states, i.e. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—the task of institutional development and the integration of newly joined countries into BRICS remains pertinent. These are undoubtedly import-ant matters, and addressing them will contribute to the quality of life in BRICS and foster the sustainable development of the Global South as a whole. The priorities of the Brazilian presidency also reflect a focus on strengthening BRICS’ strategic partnership and its role in advancing multilateralism for a more just and balanced multipolar world. We trust that Brazil will work in the spirit of continuity and pursue the previously launched initiatives. Under our belt, we have agreements for the establishment of the BRICS Grain Exchange, the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, and the Geological and Investment Platforms.
Further efforts are required to advance all these areas. In this regard, we are pleased that our Brazilian friends seek to further collaborate in the transport sector. Brazil has al-ready planned several events on this topic, including a meeting of relevant ministers. We hope for a similarly constructive approach in other fields and that due attention will be given to cooperation in academia, sports, youth engagement, and business. On our part, we are committed to supporting the Brazilian presidency in achieving its set goals, consolidating and building upon the results attained during Russia’s tenure, and further developing cooperation with in BRICS to enhance its international profile.
– In March 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a meeting with ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, noted a positive trend to wards enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Russia and the region. How is it being practically implemented today in the extremely challenging geopolitical climate?
In which key economic areas and sectors is cooperation developing most actively and, importantly, successfully? What are the most significant joint projects you could name?
– Russia and the LAC share traditionally friendly relations, and today, in the current turbulent geopolitical climate, we are receiving messages from many Latin American states which are reiterating their determination to maintain and even build up the momentum for expanding inter-action with Russia.
– In 2025, Brazil took the baton of BRICS presidency from Russia. The cross-cutting theme for this year is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustain-able Governance.” Our Brazilian partners aim to focus on further expanding interaction with the Global South, pursue work across the spectrum of multifaceted cooperation, and particularly bring socio-economic and environmental issues to the forefront—emphasis will be placed on reforming the multilateral system for maintaining peace and security, enhancing co-operation in healthcare, combating socially significant and tropical diseases, boosting mutual trade and investment, expanding the use of national currencies and creating sustainable financial mechanisms for mutual settlements, deepening industrial and technological ties, addressing climate change, and promoting inclusive and responsible AI governance.
Given the expansion of BRICS and the accession of “partner countries,” a new category of membership, at the Kazan Summit in October 2024— a status granted to nine states, i.e. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—the task of institutional development and the integration of newly joined countries into BRICS remains pertinent. These are undoubtedly import-ant matters, and addressing them will contribute to the quality of life in BRICS and foster the sustainable development of the Global South as a whole. The priorities of the Brazilian presidency also reflect a focus on strengthening BRICS’ strategic partnership and its role in advancing multilateralism for a more just and balanced multipolar world. We trust that Brazil will work in the spirit of continuity and pursue the previously launched initiatives. Under our belt, we have agreements for the establishment of the BRICS Grain Exchange, the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, and the Geological and Investment Platforms.
Further efforts are required to advance all these areas. In this regard, we are pleased that our Brazilian friends seek to further collaborate in the transport sector. Brazil has al-ready planned several events on this topic, including a meeting of relevant ministers. We hope for a similarly constructive approach in other fields and that due attention will be given to cooperation in academia, sports, youth engagement, and business. On our part, we are committed to supporting the Brazilian presidency in achieving its set goals, consolidating and building upon the results attained during Russia’s tenure, and further developing cooperation with in BRICS to enhance its international profile.
– In March 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a meeting with ambassadors from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, noted a positive trend to wards enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Russia and the region. How is it being practically implemented today in the extremely challenging geopolitical climate?
In which key economic areas and sectors is cooperation developing most actively and, importantly, successfully? What are the most significant joint projects you could name?
– Russia and the LAC share traditionally friendly relations, and today, in the current turbulent geopolitical climate, we are receiving messages from many Latin American states which are reiterating their determination to maintain and even build up the momentum for expanding inter-action with Russia.
Our cooperation with the region is the region is built on a pragmatic, non-ideological, and win-win ground. We are united by our commitment to the principles of inter-national law, respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity, and the right of peoples to determine their own political and socioeconomic models.
Latin Americans value this approach. Despite persistent threats from the West to impose socalled secondary sanctions and artificially created barriers in settlements and supply chains, including those for food and fertilisers, our trade with the LAC region has remained largely stable over the past few years.
A significant part of this trade is with Brazil, as well as with Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. Russia’s primary export items include fertilisers (complex, potash, nitrogen), food (mainly wheat), iron and steel, oil and petroleum products, and diesel fuel, while the main imports are agricultural products, including tropical fruits, frozen fish, tobacco, seafood, peanuts, and coffee. Together with our partners, we prioritise the development of new logistics for export-import operations and alternative settlement mechanisms. The Russian payment system “Mir” is now being widely discussed with several nations in the region, and this project, we believe, aligns with our interests. In specific terms, its launch in Cuba and Venezuela significantly facilitates the stay of Russian tourists there.
Bilateral projects with individual countries are also underway: the phased construction and commissioning of the Center for Nuclear Research and Technologies in Bolivia, supply of Russian enriched uranium products to Brazil (Russian uranium accounts for 100% of the needs of Brazil’s NPPs), shipment of vehicles to Nicaragua, modernisation of energy and metallurgical facilities in Cuba, production of influenza vaccines at the Russian-Nicaraguan enterprise JSC “Mechnikov,” which are also delivered to other LAC countries. In Venezuela, Russian companies are establishing insulin production using their own technologies.
The dialogue with the business community is strengthened by the annual participation of Latin American representatives in the St. Peters-burg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian Energy Week, and other major events held in Russia.
– Clearly, economic cooperation im-plies investments. What makes the region’s countries attractive for investment? Which sectors of economy are most promising in this regard? Security is no less important—what risks do investors face when operating in LAC states?
– Investments are surely a crucial dimension of economic cooperation with LAC. The analysis of the current state and prospects for interaction shows that our allies have already secured a privileged “vista of opportunity”—un-like those who have officially opted for a wait-and-see approach. Whatever the case, we have recently observed certain impulses indicating our partners’ intention to move towards fully restoring bilateral relations. In practical terms, we can name two key avenues for our cooperation, either already underway or in the pipeline—“classical” export-import exchanges (focused primarily on Rus-sian fertilisers, petroleum products, grains, and the reciprocal import of traditional Latin American agricul-tural goods) and cooperation in high- tech (including training personnel and creating new jobs), carried out on an investment basis.
Several Russian companies have already established the necessary investment footholds in the region and generally operate with selfsufficient or commercial funding—GAZ (Nicaragua), Rosatom (Bolivia, Nicaragua), Rostec (Venezuela), among others. Latin Americans value their work and stress that the Russian economy and businesses, despite being under sanctions, have demonstrated resilience and secured product quality. Promising areas for cooperation also include high-tech, energy, agriculture, space, nuclear energy, medicine, and healthcare. Investments, of course, carry risks—the aggressive sanctions policy of the West persists, affecting both individual countries in the region and Russia. The LAC region remains heavily dependent on the Bretton Woods financial system and its North American and European institutions, which rely on the dollar and euro. But we continue to work and offer solutions that would provide potential investors with a greater sense of security.
Latin Americans value this approach. Despite persistent threats from the West to impose socalled secondary sanctions and artificially created barriers in settlements and supply chains, including those for food and fertilisers, our trade with the LAC region has remained largely stable over the past few years.
A significant part of this trade is with Brazil, as well as with Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. Russia’s primary export items include fertilisers (complex, potash, nitrogen), food (mainly wheat), iron and steel, oil and petroleum products, and diesel fuel, while the main imports are agricultural products, including tropical fruits, frozen fish, tobacco, seafood, peanuts, and coffee. Together with our partners, we prioritise the development of new logistics for export-import operations and alternative settlement mechanisms. The Russian payment system “Mir” is now being widely discussed with several nations in the region, and this project, we believe, aligns with our interests. In specific terms, its launch in Cuba and Venezuela significantly facilitates the stay of Russian tourists there.
Bilateral projects with individual countries are also underway: the phased construction and commissioning of the Center for Nuclear Research and Technologies in Bolivia, supply of Russian enriched uranium products to Brazil (Russian uranium accounts for 100% of the needs of Brazil’s NPPs), shipment of vehicles to Nicaragua, modernisation of energy and metallurgical facilities in Cuba, production of influenza vaccines at the Russian-Nicaraguan enterprise JSC “Mechnikov,” which are also delivered to other LAC countries. In Venezuela, Russian companies are establishing insulin production using their own technologies.
The dialogue with the business community is strengthened by the annual participation of Latin American representatives in the St. Peters-burg International Economic Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian Energy Week, and other major events held in Russia.
– Clearly, economic cooperation im-plies investments. What makes the region’s countries attractive for investment? Which sectors of economy are most promising in this regard? Security is no less important—what risks do investors face when operating in LAC states?
– Investments are surely a crucial dimension of economic cooperation with LAC. The analysis of the current state and prospects for interaction shows that our allies have already secured a privileged “vista of opportunity”—un-like those who have officially opted for a wait-and-see approach. Whatever the case, we have recently observed certain impulses indicating our partners’ intention to move towards fully restoring bilateral relations. In practical terms, we can name two key avenues for our cooperation, either already underway or in the pipeline—“classical” export-import exchanges (focused primarily on Rus-sian fertilisers, petroleum products, grains, and the reciprocal import of traditional Latin American agricul-tural goods) and cooperation in high- tech (including training personnel and creating new jobs), carried out on an investment basis.
Several Russian companies have already established the necessary investment footholds in the region and generally operate with selfsufficient or commercial funding—GAZ (Nicaragua), Rosatom (Bolivia, Nicaragua), Rostec (Venezuela), among others. Latin Americans value their work and stress that the Russian economy and businesses, despite being under sanctions, have demonstrated resilience and secured product quality. Promising areas for cooperation also include high-tech, energy, agriculture, space, nuclear energy, medicine, and healthcare. Investments, of course, carry risks—the aggressive sanctions policy of the West persists, affecting both individual countries in the region and Russia. The LAC region remains heavily dependent on the Bretton Woods financial system and its North American and European institutions, which rely on the dollar and euro. But we continue to work and offer solutions that would provide potential investors with a greater sense of security.
– To carry on with security, but in a broader sense, it is no secret that Latin America is not the most stable and peaceful region, due to internal and external factors. What are the main challenges in this field currently facing the region, and how do they impact its economy and politics? In which areas and in what forms does Russia cooperate with LAC countries in security?
– The volatile geopolitical ambiance globally has also negatively affected the socio-economic conditions in LAC countries. Income inequality and societal polarization lead to the marginalization of the vulnerable and their involvement in crime, including trans-national crime and drug trafficking. Many join organized crime groups not voluntarily, but as a result of forced recruitment—a prevalent system with-in criminal milieus.
The LAC governments are making significant efforts to improve law enforcement and eradicate organized crime. But the growing influence of organized crime, beyond internal factors, appears to be due to an insufficiently comprehensive strategy to combat this plague. We see that the LAC region actively pursues its efforts in this direction. We share our expertise with our LAC partners, including through international meetings of high-level security officials held in Russia. In light of the worsening global issue of illicit drug trafficking, we advocate for further cooperation among relevant authorities, expanding operational contacts, and regularly ex-changing best practices.
We are interested in constructive and fruitful interaction with LAC delegations within the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), and we will continue to oppose the politicization of its work in shaping international drug policy. Russia intends to nominate its candidacy for re-election to the CND for the 2026–2029 under the Eastern European Group quota in the elections for the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We count on the sup-port of our Latin American partners. We welcome the region’s interest in national capacity-building and its commitment to implement relevant UN conventions. We commend the development of the International Narcotics Control Board “INCB-Learning” training module in Venezuela in December 2023, financially supported by Russia.
We will continue to make practical contributions to strengthening the international drug control regime. Although Russia’s status as a permanent observer in the Organization of American States (OAS) was suspended in April 2022, we are ready to continue productive, sector-tailored cooperation with those LAC partners who express interest, including through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE). We highly value the more than fifty year successful experience of the Treaty of Tlatelolco—the first inter-national legal text establishing a nuclear-weapon-free status for the vast and densely populated LAC region.
We hope that the long-term record of the Treaty will continue to serve the purposes of non-proliferation and disarmament and contribute to the creation of new nuclear-weapon-free zones worldwide. We are looking for-ward to the fruitful cooperation with the LAC region on reinforcing the nuclear nonproliferation regime. We are convinced that maintaining Latin America as a “peace zone,” free from conflicts, aligns with the interests of the entire region and the whole world.
– Russia and Cuba—a country that, like ours, pays a significant price for its sovereignty—have longstanding relations, based on respect, tested by time. Which areas of bilateral cooperation are currently most actively developing, especially considering the Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030 signed in November 2023? How is the dialogue between Havana and the EAEU progressing, given that Cuba is an observer state since 2020?
– Cuba is one of Russia’s key allies in the Latin American region. Our relations, rooted deep in historically friendly relations and solidarity, are enduring, forward-looking, and burgeoning. We are committed to the un-wavering policy of comprehensively strengthening our bilateral strategic partnership. We aim for further vigorous and constructive development of our multifaceted cooperation. We note the excellent level of political dialogue and the high intensity of bilateral contacts, which reaffirm a mutual disposition towards the full- fledged development of the entire spectrum of Russian-Cuban relations, and commitment to keenly respond to mutual needs, seek compromise and respect mutual interests.
We commend the truly comradely interaction between Moscow and Havana on the international stage. We stand in solidarity on key global agenda issues, with our approaches almost entirely synchronized on the majority of current challenges, including fostering a just and polycentric world order based on respect for international law, the UN Charter, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and combating against illegitimate unilateral sanctions. We believe that building up mutual support in these areas serves the interests of our countries and is an integral part of our strategic partnership. We make a point of bilateral trade, economic, financial, and investment cooperation.
Our primary goal in this regard is to establish a long-term and resilient cooperation framework that can ensure Cuba’s energy and food security, as well as modernize its industrial complex and infrastructure, circumventing Western sanctions on the basis of mutual interests. Active work in this direction is ongoing through the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Over the past two years, under the decisive leadership of Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Russian cochair of the Commission, we have developed an updated cooperation model. According to the documents signed with Cuba, including the Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030, efforts are underway to expedite the launch of joint projects in energy, transport, the sugar industry, and hospitality. Lately, Russia’s entities— St. Peters burg, the Republic of Mordovia, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod Region, among others—have been showing a burning interest in establishing and strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties with Cuba. In our view, leveraging Russia’s potential and capabilities to implement joint investment projects in Cuba is an extremely promising direction. The dialogue between Cuba and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) continues to develop actively, with the Republic becoming the first Latin American country to gain observer status in December 2020. Cuba’s active participation in EAEU events demonstrates its interest in strengthening bonds with the Union across a whole array of areas, including industry, agriculture, technical regulation, digitalization, pharmaceuticals, and many more. Work is underway to follow up the existing Memorandum between the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and Cuba’s government, outlining a Plan of Joint Activities for 2026–2030, and its signing within the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the EEC and Cuba.
– The volatile geopolitical ambiance globally has also negatively affected the socio-economic conditions in LAC countries. Income inequality and societal polarization lead to the marginalization of the vulnerable and their involvement in crime, including trans-national crime and drug trafficking. Many join organized crime groups not voluntarily, but as a result of forced recruitment—a prevalent system with-in criminal milieus.
The LAC governments are making significant efforts to improve law enforcement and eradicate organized crime. But the growing influence of organized crime, beyond internal factors, appears to be due to an insufficiently comprehensive strategy to combat this plague. We see that the LAC region actively pursues its efforts in this direction. We share our expertise with our LAC partners, including through international meetings of high-level security officials held in Russia. In light of the worsening global issue of illicit drug trafficking, we advocate for further cooperation among relevant authorities, expanding operational contacts, and regularly ex-changing best practices.
We are interested in constructive and fruitful interaction with LAC delegations within the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), and we will continue to oppose the politicization of its work in shaping international drug policy. Russia intends to nominate its candidacy for re-election to the CND for the 2026–2029 under the Eastern European Group quota in the elections for the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). We count on the sup-port of our Latin American partners. We welcome the region’s interest in national capacity-building and its commitment to implement relevant UN conventions. We commend the development of the International Narcotics Control Board “INCB-Learning” training module in Venezuela in December 2023, financially supported by Russia.
We will continue to make practical contributions to strengthening the international drug control regime. Although Russia’s status as a permanent observer in the Organization of American States (OAS) was suspended in April 2022, we are ready to continue productive, sector-tailored cooperation with those LAC partners who express interest, including through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE). We highly value the more than fifty year successful experience of the Treaty of Tlatelolco—the first inter-national legal text establishing a nuclear-weapon-free status for the vast and densely populated LAC region.
We hope that the long-term record of the Treaty will continue to serve the purposes of non-proliferation and disarmament and contribute to the creation of new nuclear-weapon-free zones worldwide. We are looking for-ward to the fruitful cooperation with the LAC region on reinforcing the nuclear nonproliferation regime. We are convinced that maintaining Latin America as a “peace zone,” free from conflicts, aligns with the interests of the entire region and the whole world.
– Russia and Cuba—a country that, like ours, pays a significant price for its sovereignty—have longstanding relations, based on respect, tested by time. Which areas of bilateral cooperation are currently most actively developing, especially considering the Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030 signed in November 2023? How is the dialogue between Havana and the EAEU progressing, given that Cuba is an observer state since 2020?
– Cuba is one of Russia’s key allies in the Latin American region. Our relations, rooted deep in historically friendly relations and solidarity, are enduring, forward-looking, and burgeoning. We are committed to the un-wavering policy of comprehensively strengthening our bilateral strategic partnership. We aim for further vigorous and constructive development of our multifaceted cooperation. We note the excellent level of political dialogue and the high intensity of bilateral contacts, which reaffirm a mutual disposition towards the full- fledged development of the entire spectrum of Russian-Cuban relations, and commitment to keenly respond to mutual needs, seek compromise and respect mutual interests.
We commend the truly comradely interaction between Moscow and Havana on the international stage. We stand in solidarity on key global agenda issues, with our approaches almost entirely synchronized on the majority of current challenges, including fostering a just and polycentric world order based on respect for international law, the UN Charter, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and combating against illegitimate unilateral sanctions. We believe that building up mutual support in these areas serves the interests of our countries and is an integral part of our strategic partnership. We make a point of bilateral trade, economic, financial, and investment cooperation.
Our primary goal in this regard is to establish a long-term and resilient cooperation framework that can ensure Cuba’s energy and food security, as well as modernize its industrial complex and infrastructure, circumventing Western sanctions on the basis of mutual interests. Active work in this direction is ongoing through the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Over the past two years, under the decisive leadership of Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Russian cochair of the Commission, we have developed an updated cooperation model. According to the documents signed with Cuba, including the Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme until 2030, efforts are underway to expedite the launch of joint projects in energy, transport, the sugar industry, and hospitality. Lately, Russia’s entities— St. Peters burg, the Republic of Mordovia, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod Region, among others—have been showing a burning interest in establishing and strengthening trade, economic, and investment ties with Cuba. In our view, leveraging Russia’s potential and capabilities to implement joint investment projects in Cuba is an extremely promising direction. The dialogue between Cuba and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) continues to develop actively, with the Republic becoming the first Latin American country to gain observer status in December 2020. Cuba’s active participation in EAEU events demonstrates its interest in strengthening bonds with the Union across a whole array of areas, including industry, agriculture, technical regulation, digitalization, pharmaceuticals, and many more. Work is underway to follow up the existing Memorandum between the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and Cuba’s government, outlining a Plan of Joint Activities for 2026–2030, and its signing within the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the EEC and Cuba.
– It is known that the EAEU is actively working to expand its engagement with the LAC region. But it is also understood that the potential of this cooperation is not fully realized, and the share of LAC countries in the EAEU’s trade turnover remains modest. What is the state of EAEU-LAC coope ration nowadays? Are there any developments in terms of concluding free trade agreements between the EAEU and certain LAC countries?
– The EAEU has made significant strides in its Latin American engagement. Currently, the EEC has signed MoUs with several regional organisations, including the Andean Community, the Latin American Eco-nomic System, the Southern Common Market, the Pacific Alliance, and the Secretariat for Central American Eco-nomic Integration.
The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America has also expressed interest in establishing ties with the EAEU. We welcome such dialogue and deem it vital to build upon the signed documents to put these partnerships into action.
It is worth noting the dynamic development of cooperation between individual Latin American countries and the EAEU. It is telling that the first extra-regional observer to the EAEU was a Latin American state—Cuba. The active participation of Cuban leadership in EAEU events—President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel participates in the work of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz attends the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meetings—proves the country’s interest in strengthening ties with the Union across a broad spectrum of areas. We are confident that this will further enhance the EAEU-Cuba relations.
Cooperation between the EEC and Nicaragua is also developing actively. In January 2024, the stakeholders signed a MoU in Managua with a relevant working group functioning with-in its framework. We take interest in further establishing cooperation, including under framework documents signed be-tween the EEC and other Latin American countries (Peru, Chile, Ecuador). As for free trade zones, this matter is currently under analysis, considering all related aspects.
– Not so long ago, Cuba and Bolivia became partner countries in BRICS. What opportunities does it open for these countries? What does it mean for BRICS itself? And, on a broader scale, what are the overall prospects for BRICS’ interaction with Latin American states?
– The decision to invite Bolivia and Cuba as partner states, supported by all member states, was made at the BRICS Heads of State Meeting in Kazan in October 2024, reflecting the high international standing of these countries. Russia will provide them with the necessary assistance in strengthening multifaceted cooperation within BRICS. Havana and La Paz are ready to actively participate in building a more just world order. We firmly believe that this will be a mutually beneficial interaction that serves the interests of Bolivia, Cuba, and BRICS. On our part, we are prepared to offer comprehensive aid and support in integrating our Bolivian and Cuban partners into the relevant cooperation mechanisms within BRICS. Must be noted that the partner status entails participation in BRICS ministerial meetings and summits. At the initiative of the presidency and with the approval of the other members, partners can be invited to engage in specific areas of cooperation. BRICS enables a more active promotion of national interests and foreign policy on the international stage, with the support of like-minded al-lies. It also facilitates win-win cooperation among participants across a wide range of issues. For BRICS itself, dialogue with developing countries and emerging economies, as well as the advancement of their interests, is a priority.
Expanding its geography and eco-nomic potential through partner countries will contribute to achieving this goal, strengthening the spirit of solidarity and genuine international cooperation for the common good. Further increasing the number of partners is not off the BRICS agenda. Its members are open to constructive dialogue with all who adhere to sovereign equality and share the fundamentals of cooperation: equality and mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, solidarity, decision-making based on comprehensive discussion and consensus—whether they are from the LAC region, Asia, Africa, or Eurasia.
– In 2023, you said that Russia intended to establish a visa-free regime with all Latin American countries and aimed to stick to the same path with Caribbean nations. Is work on this issue still ongoing? What stage is the process at currently?
– Of course, it is ongoing. A visa-free regime is vital in facilitating economic, cultural, sports, and other exchanges. Should also be mentioned that the LAC region is a popular destination for Russian tourists. This is further backed by the signed and implemented agreements on the abolition of visa requirements with 27 out of 33 LAC countries. The exceptions are Mexico (where Russian citizens need an e-entry permit) and five small Caribbean nations (Barbados, Haiti, St. Lucia, the Common-wealth of the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago). Relevant talks with them are in progress.
– When discussing Russia and Latin America, and considering their historically strong and friendly ties, it is essential to address cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In terms of exchange of spiritual values, how are contacts in culture and education currently developing? What are the most successful initiatives you could highlight in this regard?
– Cooperation in education, science, culture, and humanitarian efforts is a vital component of our overall communications, underpinned by an ex-tensive legal framework, which we are persistently aiming to expand. We seek to maximise the use of existing channels, mechanisms, and tools of “soft power” to promote Russian culture and art, the Russian language, and other humanitarian values in the region. Notably, despite some countries’ controversial attempts to “cancel” Russian culture, it continues to spark genuine interest among Latin Americans. Russian singers, musicians, theatre, and ballet companies have enjoyed great success with their tours in the region.
In March, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our flagship project with Brazil—the first and only overseas Bolshoi Theatre School in Joinville, Santa Catarina. To promote the achievements of Russian cinema, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Mosfilm studio, screenings the “Golden Collection” were held in Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Chile. Despite logistical challenges, the number of Latin Ameri-cans attending youth, educational, cultural, and other thematic fora organised in Russia grows each year. Russian diplomatic missions play a major role in humanitarian efforts, as they regularly organise various events that are well-received locally and generate genuine interest among both local establishments and ordinary citizens. Also, Russian foreign missions provide support to our artists, creative teams, and stakeholders in establishing humanitarian contacts directly within the region.
Education is yet another field worth mentioning. Higher education in Russia is marked by its impartiality and focus on providing fundamental knowledge, while serving as a powerful social elevator. This is evident in many Global South countries, where a large part of today’s elites received education in Russia. In the 21st century, the number of Latin Americans studying in Russia on state scholar-ships continues to grow, with nearly 5,000 currently enrolled. We are doing everything possible to increase the annual quotas for Latin American students. Inter-university cooperation is also gaining momentum. Latin Ameri-cans participate in various educational programmes, internships, research projects, international educational exhibitions, tests, and Olympiads.
To date, Russian universities have signed 732 cooperation agreements with partners from LAC countries, with 153 of these signed in 2024 alone. The Russian language plays a crucial role in preserving and transmit-ting the cultural heritage of Russia’s multinational people, reflecting centuries of history and strengthening the solidarity of national communities. It promotes the development of education and science and the popularization of Russian culture abroad. The popularity of the Russian language in Latin America is growing, reflecting an interest to study it both within the region and in Russia. The International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature plays an essential role in enhancing Russian language education worldwide, with members including organisations and individuals from LAC countries.
Currently, work is underway to establish a regional association of Russian language and literature teachers. Sports contacts are also intensifying. Several interagency cooperation documents have been signed with Latin American countries. Entire teams and individual athletes from the region participate in events such as the international multi-sport tournament “Games of the Future,” the BRICS Games, and the University International Sports Festival. Even Russian football is now hard to imagine without Latin American players. In conclusion, I would like to stress that the LAC region enjoys tremen-dous potential and is gradually establishing itself as a key hub in the multipolar world architecture, while also being part of the world’s majority. Its emergence as an independent pole in the polycentric global system aligns with our interests. We are well set for the level and scope of relations that our Latin American partners are ready to engage in.
– The EAEU has made significant strides in its Latin American engagement. Currently, the EEC has signed MoUs with several regional organisations, including the Andean Community, the Latin American Eco-nomic System, the Southern Common Market, the Pacific Alliance, and the Secretariat for Central American Eco-nomic Integration.
The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America has also expressed interest in establishing ties with the EAEU. We welcome such dialogue and deem it vital to build upon the signed documents to put these partnerships into action.
It is worth noting the dynamic development of cooperation between individual Latin American countries and the EAEU. It is telling that the first extra-regional observer to the EAEU was a Latin American state—Cuba. The active participation of Cuban leadership in EAEU events—President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel participates in the work of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz attends the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meetings—proves the country’s interest in strengthening ties with the Union across a broad spectrum of areas. We are confident that this will further enhance the EAEU-Cuba relations.
Cooperation between the EEC and Nicaragua is also developing actively. In January 2024, the stakeholders signed a MoU in Managua with a relevant working group functioning with-in its framework. We take interest in further establishing cooperation, including under framework documents signed be-tween the EEC and other Latin American countries (Peru, Chile, Ecuador). As for free trade zones, this matter is currently under analysis, considering all related aspects.
– Not so long ago, Cuba and Bolivia became partner countries in BRICS. What opportunities does it open for these countries? What does it mean for BRICS itself? And, on a broader scale, what are the overall prospects for BRICS’ interaction with Latin American states?
– The decision to invite Bolivia and Cuba as partner states, supported by all member states, was made at the BRICS Heads of State Meeting in Kazan in October 2024, reflecting the high international standing of these countries. Russia will provide them with the necessary assistance in strengthening multifaceted cooperation within BRICS. Havana and La Paz are ready to actively participate in building a more just world order. We firmly believe that this will be a mutually beneficial interaction that serves the interests of Bolivia, Cuba, and BRICS. On our part, we are prepared to offer comprehensive aid and support in integrating our Bolivian and Cuban partners into the relevant cooperation mechanisms within BRICS. Must be noted that the partner status entails participation in BRICS ministerial meetings and summits. At the initiative of the presidency and with the approval of the other members, partners can be invited to engage in specific areas of cooperation. BRICS enables a more active promotion of national interests and foreign policy on the international stage, with the support of like-minded al-lies. It also facilitates win-win cooperation among participants across a wide range of issues. For BRICS itself, dialogue with developing countries and emerging economies, as well as the advancement of their interests, is a priority.
Expanding its geography and eco-nomic potential through partner countries will contribute to achieving this goal, strengthening the spirit of solidarity and genuine international cooperation for the common good. Further increasing the number of partners is not off the BRICS agenda. Its members are open to constructive dialogue with all who adhere to sovereign equality and share the fundamentals of cooperation: equality and mutual respect, openness, pragmatism, solidarity, decision-making based on comprehensive discussion and consensus—whether they are from the LAC region, Asia, Africa, or Eurasia.
– In 2023, you said that Russia intended to establish a visa-free regime with all Latin American countries and aimed to stick to the same path with Caribbean nations. Is work on this issue still ongoing? What stage is the process at currently?
– Of course, it is ongoing. A visa-free regime is vital in facilitating economic, cultural, sports, and other exchanges. Should also be mentioned that the LAC region is a popular destination for Russian tourists. This is further backed by the signed and implemented agreements on the abolition of visa requirements with 27 out of 33 LAC countries. The exceptions are Mexico (where Russian citizens need an e-entry permit) and five small Caribbean nations (Barbados, Haiti, St. Lucia, the Common-wealth of the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago). Relevant talks with them are in progress.
– When discussing Russia and Latin America, and considering their historically strong and friendly ties, it is essential to address cultural and humanitarian cooperation. In terms of exchange of spiritual values, how are contacts in culture and education currently developing? What are the most successful initiatives you could highlight in this regard?
– Cooperation in education, science, culture, and humanitarian efforts is a vital component of our overall communications, underpinned by an ex-tensive legal framework, which we are persistently aiming to expand. We seek to maximise the use of existing channels, mechanisms, and tools of “soft power” to promote Russian culture and art, the Russian language, and other humanitarian values in the region. Notably, despite some countries’ controversial attempts to “cancel” Russian culture, it continues to spark genuine interest among Latin Americans. Russian singers, musicians, theatre, and ballet companies have enjoyed great success with their tours in the region.
In March, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our flagship project with Brazil—the first and only overseas Bolshoi Theatre School in Joinville, Santa Catarina. To promote the achievements of Russian cinema, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Mosfilm studio, screenings the “Golden Collection” were held in Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Chile. Despite logistical challenges, the number of Latin Ameri-cans attending youth, educational, cultural, and other thematic fora organised in Russia grows each year. Russian diplomatic missions play a major role in humanitarian efforts, as they regularly organise various events that are well-received locally and generate genuine interest among both local establishments and ordinary citizens. Also, Russian foreign missions provide support to our artists, creative teams, and stakeholders in establishing humanitarian contacts directly within the region.
Education is yet another field worth mentioning. Higher education in Russia is marked by its impartiality and focus on providing fundamental knowledge, while serving as a powerful social elevator. This is evident in many Global South countries, where a large part of today’s elites received education in Russia. In the 21st century, the number of Latin Americans studying in Russia on state scholar-ships continues to grow, with nearly 5,000 currently enrolled. We are doing everything possible to increase the annual quotas for Latin American students. Inter-university cooperation is also gaining momentum. Latin Ameri-cans participate in various educational programmes, internships, research projects, international educational exhibitions, tests, and Olympiads.
To date, Russian universities have signed 732 cooperation agreements with partners from LAC countries, with 153 of these signed in 2024 alone. The Russian language plays a crucial role in preserving and transmit-ting the cultural heritage of Russia’s multinational people, reflecting centuries of history and strengthening the solidarity of national communities. It promotes the development of education and science and the popularization of Russian culture abroad. The popularity of the Russian language in Latin America is growing, reflecting an interest to study it both within the region and in Russia. The International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature plays an essential role in enhancing Russian language education worldwide, with members including organisations and individuals from LAC countries.
Currently, work is underway to establish a regional association of Russian language and literature teachers. Sports contacts are also intensifying. Several interagency cooperation documents have been signed with Latin American countries. Entire teams and individual athletes from the region participate in events such as the international multi-sport tournament “Games of the Future,” the BRICS Games, and the University International Sports Festival. Even Russian football is now hard to imagine without Latin American players. In conclusion, I would like to stress that the LAC region enjoys tremen-dous potential and is gradually establishing itself as a key hub in the multipolar world architecture, while also being part of the world’s majority. Its emergence as an independent pole in the polycentric global system aligns with our interests. We are well set for the level and scope of relations that our Latin American partners are ready to engage in.