MOSCOW, July 4 (Itar-Tass) - Russia and Colombia have signed a programme of exchanges in the field of culture, education and sport in 2013-2015.

“The document will allow us to step up contacts between members of civil society in the two countries,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the signing ceremony.

“The main purpose of Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin’s visit to Moscow is to participate in the 5th session of the Russian-Colombian inter-governmental commission,” the minister said.

“We will use this opportunity to discuss foreign policy interaction,” he added.

According to Lavrov, “Colombia is an important partner of Russia in Latin America. We have good contacts on issues dealt with by international organisations, primarily the United Nations.”

Holguin stressed that her country is interested in commercial aspects of cooperation with Russia and tourism.

She said the inter-governmental commission will “work over many topics” and this will “help strengthen bilateral relations.”