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Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
Author : A. Sizonenko
Leading Research Associate, Institute of Latin America, Russian Academy of Science, Doctor of Science
(History)
A continuous nature of relations generally serves to pro-
mote their normal course and mutual understanding, mul-
tiplying the power of all positive developments that took
place in the past. This kind of relationship facilitates the
emergence of new forms of interaction, opening up new
vistas for their development. Such continuity has emerged
in the history of international relations on numerous oc-
casions. A case in point with regard to Russia would be its
long-term close ties with India.
The entire history of Russian-Latin American relations provides quite a few examples relating to a
continuous nature of those relations and a special place of this factor in the policies pursued by the
parties.
Russia's current approach to its relations with Latin American countries is characterized by a clearly
defined realistic approach, consideration for the national interests of both parties, a rejection of
ideological blinders and the policies of "generous and disinterested assistance."
Special mention should be made of Argentina which was Russia's active business partner back at
the dawn of the twentieth century.
World War II became a new point of reference in resuming Soviet-Latin American relations, when
the Soviet Union was able to normalize its diplomatic relations with the prevailing part of Latin
American states.
However, the mutual interest of modern Russia and Mexico is not only limited to contacts, meetings
and cooperation at the official level. Cultural exchanges continue, in particular, scientific studies of
Mexico by Russian researches who published a large number of studies dealing with this country.
Thus far an influential school of Mexican studies has been formed in Russia and its publications
are well-known abroad.
A multi-dimensional level of cultural ties, including, for example, a growth of Russian tourist flow
to Mexico, allows one to look with confidence at the prospects for the development of Russian-
Mexican relations.
By way of a conclusion, we would like to underline that each period in the development of Russ-
ian-Latin American relations produced unique formats designed to solve various problems of both
bilateral and international significance. Their development has revealed their continuous nature
based on the principles supported by the parties throughout their history. One can with good reason
assert that this process will stimulate and accelerate the future dynamics. The preconditions for the
subsequent growth are all there, based on the mutual striving for cooperation.
The Continuity Factor in Relations Between Russia and Latin
America