Russia considers Argentina key partner in Latin America

Russia is striving for overall development of relations with Argentina, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the talks with Argentine Minister for Foreign Relations, International Trade and Worship Rafael Antonio Bielsa.

"Our negotiations began on a good background. The Russian-Argentine business forum was successfully held yesterday," Mr. Lavrov noted.

"We boast excellent political contacts. This is our second meeting in the last six months," he added.

Russia considers Argentina a key partner in Latin America, the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.

"We hope for a productive and constructive dialogue," he said.

The Soviet Union and Argentina established diplomatic relations on June 6, 1946. Relations between the USSR and Latin America improved during World War II.

Argentina and the Russian Empire established diplomatic relations for the first time in 1885. The two countries boasted friendly contacts. Russian immigrants contributed into the development of Argentine agriculture. The Yuzhamtorg (South American trade) joint stock company (USSR) was successfully working in Argentina after the revolution of 1917.

In the 1930s famous director Natalia Sats staged performances in Buenos Aires and legendary Fyodor Shalyapin sang in the Colon Theater.

However, during World War II the Argentine government observed formal neutrality and supplied goods to Nazi Germany. Hitler's defeat and mass protests against pro-nazi domestic policy led to changes in the country. The presidential campaign was launched in fall 1945 and candidate Juan Peron claimed he would improve relations with the Soviet Union in case of his victory. It was the keystone of his success.

The Soviet leadership also controlled the developments in Argentina. In 1943-1944 Joseph Stalin often discussed Argentina's policy with the Mexican ambassador to the USSR. An official Soviet delegation arrived in Buenos Aires on April 11, 1946 to promote official relations and trade. Juan and Eva Peron took part in the talks. Joseph Stalin personally controlled the delegation's work.

Juan Peron who won the elections kept his promise and signed the communique on the establishment of diplomatic and trade relations in Buenos Aires on June 6, 1946.