Guatemala plans to expand Russia relations

Source: PressTV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=121346§ionid=351020706


Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom is on its way to Russia to expand bilateral relations with the former super power in a move unprecedented in the history of the two countries during the past 65 years.

"We regard the visit of Alvaro Colom to Russia as an historic event and we are certain that it will give a new boost to our bilateral relations," the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry told RIA Novosti on Sunday.

"The Guatemalan economy is one of the leading economies in Central America. Besides, the country has free-trade agreements with the United States, Mexico and Canada. Russia could benefit from the opportunity to use our country as a foothold to promote its goods in the region," the ministry said.

Colom will meet with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev on Monday. He is reportedly planning to boost cooperation with Moscow in oil and gas, telecommunications, transport and tourism.

In earlier comments, the leftist president said it would be a mistake for Guatemala or other Latin American nations to ignore relations and cooperation with such an important partner as Russia.