Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s video address to the participants in the Russia – Latin America International Parliamentary Conference, Moscow, October 2, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen,

Colleagues, friends!

I am happy to welcome the participants in the Russia – Latin America International Parliamentary Conference.

Our country and the Latin American states traditionally have friendly relations, which were established during Latin American countries’ struggle for independence. Russia has always been sympathetic to the desire of the peoples of South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean to gain true freedom and genuine sovereignty and take their destiny into their own hands.

The traditions of friendship and trust established in those days remain relevant today. Despite the difficult geopolitical situation, our interaction is steadily developing: regular political and inter-parliamentary dialogue is underway, and cooperation between ministries and departments continues. Trade, economic and cultural exchanges never stop, and scientific and educational ties are strengthening. Russia has provided and continues to provide assistance in resolving the most pressing problems faced by the region, from combating the coronavirus epidemic to ensuring food security and eliminating the consequences of natural disasters.

We are united by a strong commitment to the democratisation of interstate relations and building it based on the generally recognised principles of international law primarily the UN Charter. We are consistent supporters of showing respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity of the peoples of the world and their right to determine the paths and models of political and socioeconomic development.

The make-up of the participants and the agenda of your meeting are clear confirmation of the major changes that are taking place in world politics. We are not only witnessing the formation of a more equitable multipolar architecture of international relations, but are also directly participating in this process. An integral part of this is the increased role of the Latin American and Caribbean states and associations in world affairs. Their voice is becoming louder, and their words are carrying more weight.

Russia welcomes this trend and is working to consolidate it. We stand for worthy representation of the countries of the region in key international associations, including the UN, the G20 and BRICS.

I am pleased to note that one of the leading countries in South America, Argentina, was invited by the BRICS leaders to become a full member of this new kind of multilateral association, at the Johannesburg summit in August.

Colleagues!

I have no doubt that your conference will help strengthen Russian-Latin American friendship for the benefit of our countries and peoples. I wish you productive discussions and all the best.