Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Independence Day of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador

On September 15, five Central American republics of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador celebrate Independence Day.

On this day in 1821, under the influence of the growing anti-colonial liberation movement in the American continent, the Act of Independence of Central America was adopted, which was a decisive step towards its sovereign development.

Over the years, the countries of the subregion have travelled a difficult path of socioeconomic development, domestic political transformation and defending their positions in the international arena.

We value our traditionally friendly relations with the countries of Central America, which are based on mutual respect and consideration of each other's interests. Cooperation with Nicaragua is being promoted at the level of strategic partnership. We are ready to expand ties with Costa Rica, , Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

We reaffirm our unwavering readiness to further strengthen mutual trust, to work together on the implementation of bilateral projects in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, relief efforts following natural disasters and pandemics, civil security and crime prevention, staff development, as well as in education, sports and culture.

We are open to constructive interaction in the international arena and the continuation of our contacts at multilateral associations in the region, primarily within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Central American Integration System (SICA) and the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN).

As a matter of principle, we support the consistent strengthening of our Central American friends' sovereignty. We firmly reject attempts to interfere in their internal affairs. We support further deepening of integration processes in Central America for the unity, solidarity and prosperity of its peoples.