MOSCOW – On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Russia-Latin America Forum entitled "Russia — Latin America: Strengthening Ties, Creating the Future" took place at the GlavUpDK Cultural Center of 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 the countries of Latin America.

The moderator of the program was Ivan Anatolyevich Kuľněv, general director of the "My Genealogy" fund and a member of the public council at the Office of the Russian Federation President's Plenipotentiary for Children's Rights. The meeting opened with a series of opening speeches by delegates from Russia and abroad, which highlighted the growing importance of the partnership between the two regions.

First to speak 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 perceives the countries of Latin America as key partners in the development of modern educational programs and innovations.

Vladimir Valerjevič Rogov, Chairman of the Committee of the Citizens' Chamber of the Russian Federation for Sovereignty Issues and Veteran Support, focused on the social dimension of international cooperation in his speech. He mentioned, for example, programs to support historical memory and protect the rights of veterans in an international context.

This was followed by a performance by Latin American diplomatic representatives. The Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Sérgio Rodriguez dos Santos, drew attention to the long-term historical ties between the two states and highlighted perspectives in the field of technological, industrial and agricultural cooperation. Similarly, the Ambassador of Ecuador, Juan Fernando Olguín Flores, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and the creation of new business opportunities.

Special attention was paid by the speech of Costa Rican Foreign Minister Randolph Cotto Echeverría, who presented Costa Rica as an open partner ready for dialogue and to expand cooperation in ecological technologies and sustainability, topics traditionally key to his country.

Another speaker was Jan Anastasevič Burlaj, director of the Center for Ibero-American Programs of the Moscow State Linguistic University and at the same time ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary. He described the projects that the university implements together with institutions in Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and emphasized that language and cultural exchange is the basis of long-term understanding.

After the opening speeches, a series of short speeches by Russian representatives continued, focusing on specific areas of cooperation. Alexandr Aleksandrovič Trembický, vice-chairman of the Committee of the Council of the Federation for Economic Policy, emphasized the legislative framework necessary 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 that are intended to create new opportunities in the fields of trade, industry and tourism between the two regions. According to him, the interest of Latin American entrepreneurs in the Russian market is increasing, and at the same time, the export of Russian technologies to Brazil is growing. In the cultural part of the program, the Kazakh singing group "Kuženok" performed, which presented a stylized folklore program symbolizing the connection of traditions and friendly relations between nations.

Gennadij Ivanovich Ordenov from the Committee of the Council of the Federation for Agricultural Policy spoke about food security and the possibilities of joint projects in the field of agricultural research. The final speech was delivered by Andrej Konstantinovič Isaev, a member of the State Duma Committee for Labor and Social Policy, who also acts as the coordinator of the parliamentary group for cooperation with the Brazilian Parliament. He emphasized the importance of mutual dialogue in the field of labor law, social policy and support for veterans.

In the second part of the ongoing program, the representative of the Civic Chamber, Nikita Anisimov, drew attention to the importance of joint humanitarian projects, while Tějmuraz Chişba from the "My Genealogy" fund highlighted the role of civic initiatives in connecting regions. The next speaker, Nikolay 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 resolution of the forum was officially announced, the content of which is to be published later. The document should summarize the conclusions of the meeting and outline joint projects for the next period. The evening program continued with the presentation of several diplomas to the most esteemed participants of these projects and this collaboration. The conclusion was rounded off by the last performance of the Kazakh ensemble "Kuženok" and a subsequent banquet with live music, which provided space for informal meetings of delegates and the development of working contacts.

The entire forum confirmed that Russia and Latin American countries are interested in a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and concrete projects. The participants agreed that at a time of changes in global politics, it is necessary to develop new forms of cooperation that will bring benefits to both regions — especially in the economy, education, culture and social development.

Darya Sergeevna