Mexico's President expects Russia to promote Iraq's sovereignty

Mexico's President Vicente Fox Quesada is to offer Russia to join the recently formed group, which comes out for Iraq's democratic and sovereign development. The President announced this to Russian journalists before Vladimir Putin's visit to Mexico starting on Monday.

The decision to form the group was taken at the recent EU-Latin American-Caribbean summit in Guadalajara (Mexico).

Today this group includes France, Germany, Spain, Chile and Mexico.

"Mexico and Russia have common approaches to international problems. We understand the necessity to build a multi-polar world, share similar views of further developments in Iraq and enjoy joint experience on this problem," Vicente Fox Quesada stressed.

"Moreover, we highly assess Russia's potential in UN reforms aimed to build the multi-polar world, the 21st century's model chosen by developing countries," the Mexican leader said.

He expects to sign important agreements with Russian in many spheres during Vladimir Putin's visit to Mexico.

"We have much in common. Our economies are based on energy and trade and both countries are winning world markets. The Russian and Mexican governments focus on social development and work to eliminate poverty," he noted.

Speaking about prospects for Russian-Mexican economic cooperation, the Mexican President pointed out a number of most effective and mutually beneficial spheres.

"Undoubtedly, we can achieve great results in energy sphere. Mexico imports natural gas and in spite of long distances between our countries it can become a major consumer of the Russian gas. We can form strategic alliances in the energy sphere," Vicente Fox Quesada noted.

"Our countries boast great experience and knowledge in petrochemistry, electric energy, natural gas processing and use. Today Mexico is searching for the best ways to invest into its gas sphere. It can offer productive cooperation with Russia,"the President said.

According to him, his recent trip over Eastern Europe has shown that this region possesses great potential for mutually beneficial trade and investments. "I am convinced Mexico can develop cooperation in this sphere not only with Poland and Hungary but also with Russia," he added.

In addition, Vicente Fox Quesada pointed out hi-tech, education and culture as promising spheres of Russian-Mexican cooperation.

"During the first-ever visit to Mexico by the Russian President we are to discuss the construction of a heavy engineering center in the State of Hidalgo for the needs of our military industry, transport and building," the Mexican leader said during his trip to Hidalgo on Sunday.

Moreover, the Mexican government is to discuss with the Russian side the construction of a major helicopter service center in Veracruz on the basis of the existing enterprise, which was built by Russian companies.

"I hope to achieve agreements on these issues with President Vladimir Putin," Vicente Fox Quesada concluded.