Russia and Guatemala agree to diversify trade, economic ties — Lavrov

MOSCOW, June 24. /TASS/. Russia and Guatemala agreed to intensify necessary steps to diversify trade and economic ties, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference following talks with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo Vila.

"We agreed to step up joint work in practical areas. Despite the situation in the global economy, which is significantly affected by the coronavirus infection, our trade grew by more than 6% last year, this is about $100 million. Of course, this is not enough, and the potential of our countries allow us counting on a much more impressive result,"Lavrov said.

"We agreed on the necessary steps in this direction to diversify trade and economic ties,"he added.

Lavrov drew attention to the fact that the head of the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited a number of Russian institutions, including the Russian federal space agency, as well as contacted the Emergencies Ministry, the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the National Committee for Assistance to Economic Cooperation with Latin American Countries.

"We also positively noted the active participation of the Guatemalan delegation led by the Minister of Economy at the SPIEF (St. Petersburg International Economic Forum), where he spoke at a special section organized for the countries of Latin America," the minister recalled. 

The Russian top diplomat noted that during the talks the parties also discussed ways to reveal additional opportunities for expanding economic ties.

"These are contacts between Guatemala and the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union — TASS). During his stay in Moscow, the minister had contacts with the Eurasian Economic Commission, and as I understand it these contacts will continue. We actively support such contacts," Lavrov said.

The minister added that, despite the distance and various logistical difficulties, Russia and Guatemala have a very rich palette of relations.

"We believe that these are relations that can serve as a model for many other bilateral partnerships. We will in every possible way deepen cooperation in all areas," the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.