MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. Russia and Uruguay can broaden the scale of economic cooperation, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the restricted attendance talks with his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez.
"We definitely need to talks about development of trade and economic ties," Putin said. "We know the volume of trade relations is small, with agricultural products and foods totaling over 90%. Certainly, there is an opportunity to broaden this cooperation," the Russian president said.
The Russian leader cordially welcomed his guest in Moscow. The last visit of Uruguay’s President to Russia took place in 1988 but bilateral relations are maintained at a high level in all areas, Putin said. 160th anniversary of diplomatic ties establishment between the two countries will be celebrated this year.
Work at the international stage is active, Putin said. "Uruguay is a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council, where we are in a constant contact when solving matters on the current agenda," the Russian leader said.
Trade and economic relations and friendship between the countries remain firm because the countries share the same values, Vazquez said in his turn.