MEXICO CITY, October 31 (Itar-Tass) - Another step in the strengthening of relations between Nicaragua and Russia has been made – during a visit to this Central American country of a Russian delegation headed by Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev. The sides held negotiations on Wednesday and signed a memorandum of cooperation, which will allow the two countries to coordinate positions on the main problems of international security.
“I am confident that the signed memorandum will promote cooperation between our two countries,” Patrushev said at a meeting with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. From the Nicaraguan side the document was signed by the country’s army Commander in Chief Julio Cesar Aviles.
Patrushev noted that thanks to the memorandum, consultations between the High Command and the Army of Nicaragua and Russia's Security Council “will now be conducted on permanent basis.” “This will allow us to coordinate positions on the most pressing issues of international security,” stressed the Russian official.
Patrushev said during a meeting with Ortega that the document, approved by both sides, would make it possible to “expand cooperation” between Russia and Nicaragua. He stressed that this republic “is currently playing a major role in the Central American region, not only because of its geographical location, but also because of the policy pursued by the current government of the country.”
Russia's Security Council secretary noted that “Nicaragua is an important partner and friend of Russia in Latin America,” pointing to the coincidence of views of the two countries’ authorities “on many issues.” Patrushev also expressed gratitude to the Nicaraguan government for supporting the position of the Russian Federation, which was the first to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “I am confident that Nicaragua has set a good example to be followed by other countries,” said the Russian official.
Ortega for his part expressed satisfaction with the results of the Russian delegation’s visit to Nicaragua. “We have worked and will continue to work with the Russian Federation with a view to maintaining peace, stability and security of our peoples,” said the Nicaraguan leader.
Ortega once again expressed his support for Russia’s initiative on the settlement of the recent acute crisis in Syria. At the same time he pointed to the “historical ties that exist between Moscow and Managua.” “We are very grateful and very much appreciate the Russian people’s support of our country,” the Nicaraguan president said.
At the meeting the Nicaraguan leader welcomed the arrival in the country of two Russian strategic bombers Tupolev Tu-160, which on Wednesday landed at Augusto Sandino International Airport of the Nicaraguan capital. The visit aims to “maintain peace and stability,” said Ortega.
Before arriving in Managua, the Russian Tu-160 planes visited the capital of Venezuela - Caracas, having made a 13-hour non-stop flight from Russia. The crews of the military aircraft performed flights over the Caribbean Sea, conducting research related to aircraft operation in a tropical climate.