Russia and Dominica: 20 years of partnership
header

Russia and Dominica celebrate 20 years of partnership

Sergey Tarasov
May 21, 2015 7:44 P.M

Russia and Dominica are exploring visa free entry.

Roseau, Dominica (TDN) Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are important partners of the Russian Federation. We are bound by relations of real solidarity and cooperation, mutual understanding and sympathy.

We welcome initiatives on advancing integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and all others.

We are interested in forming a regular mechanism for political dialogue and cooperation in the Russia - CELAC format. Russian Side has prepared and submitted for consideration of the Presidency of the CELAC a draft of an appropriate statement.

We proceed from the fact that the adoption of such a document is intended to provide important functional basis for a multilateral dialogue in the format Russia - CELAC on wide range of issues of mutual interest, the implementation of joint projects, including for the purposes of international development assistance, and it will not affect the obligations of any of the countries that they have undertaken regarding third states.

Russia supports strengthening the international role and prestige of Latin America and the Caribbean, which is a major factor in the creation of a fairer and democratic polycentric world order.

In favor of a multi-vector foreign policy of the Russian Federation speak the visits of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey V. Lavrov to some countries of the Latin America and the Caribbean.

This is an obvious confirmation of the grade of attention that Russia pays to implementing various tasks of further deepening of relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, which, in our opinion, has all chances to become a powerful prop of the emerging polycentric world order.

We’ll continue enhancing our cooperation and carrying our practical joint projects.

Pursuing an independent policy, Russia consequently advocates a positive international agenda that is directed not to separation, but to development of ties among states and nations.

We are thankful for continuing support for these principal position from our partners by BRICS, which Russia chair in 2015, our friends in Latin America and the Caribbean and will work together also henceforth in favour of actively influencing of the international situation towards its recovery, strengthening of security and stability. It is the only way to overcome the current negative trend in world affairs.

In view of the above, the 20th anniversary of the establishment (on May 19, 1995) of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Dominica is an important landmark in our ties with one of our good friends in the region.

Our positions on international issues coincide or are very close. Russia and Dominica stand for the rule of law on the international stage, for a stronger central role of the UN, for collective efforts to settle international issues.

We highly appreciate the cooperation of our UN delegations to promote a number of important initiatives, including a resolution to condemn the glorification of Nazism and other forms of xenophobia.

It is especially important in 2015, when we are celebrating 70 years of the Victory over Nazism and militarism in World War II and the creation of the United Nations Organisation.

Together we are exploring space for visa free travel, trade and economical cooperation, tourist, cultural and educational exchanges.

As Minister Sergey V. Lavrov stated in the congratulatory message, addressed to the Honourable Francine Baron, Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs of the Commonwealth of Dominica, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary: “I am convinced that thanks to our collaboration ties between Russia and Dominica will further strengthen within the bilateral as well as multilateral formats in favor of the peoples of our friendly countries, in the interest of ensuring of peace and international security”.

May I take this opportunity to express to the people of Dominica, “Isle of beauty, isle of splendour, isle to all so sweet and fair”, my wishes for success and prosperity.

Sergey Tarasov is the Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kingston, Jamaica

Click here for standalone player