MOSCOW - On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Russian-Latin American Forum entitled „Russia-Latin America: strengthening ties, creating the future“ was held at the GlavUpDK Cultural Centre under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Moscow. The event, prepared in cooperation with Russian state institutions and diplomatic missions of Latin American countries, focused on the development of political, educational, cultural and economic relations between the Russian Federation and Latin American countries.
The programme was moderated by Ivan Anatolyevich Kulnev, Director General of the „My Family“ Fund and member of the Public Council of the Office of the Presidential Commissioner for the Rights of the Child of the Russian Federation. The meeting began with a series of opening remarks by delegates from Russia and abroad, highlighting the growing importance of the partnership between the two regions.
The first speaker was Konstantin Ilyich Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. In his speech he drew attention to the need to strengthen international educational cooperation, student exchanges and joint scientific projects. According to him, Russia sees Latin American countries as key partners in the development of modern educational programs and innovations.

Vladimir Valeryevich Rogov, Chairman of the Commission of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation on Sovereignty Issues and Support of Veterans, focused his speech on the social dimension of international cooperation. He mentioned, for example, programmes to promote historical memory and the protection of veterans' rights in the international context.
This was followed by presentations by Latin American diplomatic representatives. Ambassador Sérgio Rodriguez dos Santos of the Federative Republic of Brazil drew attention to the long-standing historical ties between the two countries and highlighted the prospects for technological, industrial and agricultural cooperation. Similarly, Ambassador Juan Fernando Olguín Flores of Ecuador stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and the creation of new business opportunities.
Particular attention was drawn to the speech of Costa Rican Foreign Minister Randolph Cotto Echeverria, who presented Costa Rica as an open partner ready for dialogue and to expand cooperation in environmental technologies and sustainability, topics traditionally key for his country.
Another speaker was Jan Anastasevich Burlai, Director of the Center for Ibero-American Programs at Moscow State Linguistic University and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. He described the projects that the University is implementing together with institutions in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and stressed that linguistic and cultural exchange is the basis for long-term understanding.
After the opening speeches, a series of short presentations by Russian representatives continued, focusing on specific areas of cooperation. Alexander Alexandrovich Trembicki, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy, highlighted the legislative framework needed for the development of partnership relations with the Senate of the Brazilian National Congress.

The President of the Brazilian-Russian Chamber of Commerce, Gilberto Ramos, then presented specific economic initiatives to create new opportunities in trade, industry and tourism between the two regions. According to him, the interest of Latin American entrepreneurs in the Russian market is increasing, while the export of Russian technologies to Brazil is growing. The cultural part of the programme featured a performance by the Kazakh singing group „Kuzhenok“, which presented a stylised folklore programme symbolising the link between traditions and friendly relations between the peoples.
Gennady Ivanovich Ordenov from the Federation Council Committee on Agricultural Policy spoke about food security and the possibilities of joint projects in the field of agricultural research. The final presentation was made by Andrei Konstantinovich Isaev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labour and Social Policy, who also serves as coordinator of the parliamentary group for cooperation with the Brazilian Parliament. He stressed the importance of mutual dialogue in the field of labour law, social policy and support for veterans.
In the second part of the programme, the ongoing speech by the representative of the Civic Chamber Nikita Anisimov highlighted the importance of joint humanitarian projects, while Tejmuraz Chişba from the „Moja Rodoslovnaya“ Fund highlighted the role of civic initiatives in connecting regions. The following speaker Nikolai Osipov, president of the Media Football League, presented an interesting sports project that could serve as a bridge between Russian and Latin American sports institutions and youth.

At the end, the Forum's resolution was officially announced, the content of which is to be published later. The document should summarise the conclusions of the meeting and outline joint projects for the next period. The evening programme continued with the presentation of several diplomas to the most esteemed participants in these projects and this cooperation. It was rounded off with a final performance by the Kazakh ensemble „Kuzenok“ followed by a reception with live music, which provided a space for informal meetings of delegates and the development of working contacts.
The whole forum confirmed that Russia and Latin American countries are interested in a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and concrete projects. Participants agreed that in times of changing global politics, it is essential to develop new forms of cooperation that will bring benefits to both regions - especially in economics, education, culture and social development.
Darja Sergeevna/Jan Votech/gnews.cz