Vladimir Putin Receives Prime Ministers of RIO Group Troika - 1 April, 2003

Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that the visit to Moscow by representatives of the Rio Group's three leading members (Peru, Costa-Rica and Brazil) will boost Russia's relations with Latin America. While addressing the three foreign ministers in the Kremlin on Tuesday, the Russian President said that their visit to Moscow testified to the growing co-operation between Russia and Latin America. "Our economic partnership still needs some improvement, but the political dialogue is broadening," the Russian president said. Besides, there is room for improvement in joint dealing with global threats, including international terrorism.

According to President Putin, the Rio Group is "one of the most influential and authoritative international organisations and may be the most influential one in Latin America." At the meeting, Peruvian Foreign Minister Allan Wagner Tizon reiterated "readiness, will and determination" to work towards consolidating the relations between Russia and the Latin America. On behalf of the Rio Group Troika he thanked Vladimir Putin for "quite an important opportunity to meet him." "Your hospitality reflects how you and Russia feel about developing relations with Latin America and the Rio Group," the Peruvian Foreign Minister pointed out.

According to Wagner, the Rio Group praises Russia's initiative to hold the first special meeting within the framework of political dialogue between Russia and the organisation.

The Rio Group is a permanent mechanism of political consultations and interaction between 19 Latin American countries. The Rio Group is chaired by a rotating troika. In 2003 it comprises Peru, Costa Rica and Brazil.

Russia and the Rio Group have been co-operating since 1997.