RUSSIA

The Andean Community and the Russian Federation have established a mechanism for political dialogue and cooperation to strengthen and expand their friendship, mutual understanding, and economic, scientific and technical cooperation, as well as their cultural ties.

The Protocol through which that mechanism was created was signed in Moscow, in May 2001 and provides for undertaking the following tasks:

  • Expanding consultations on the international and regional situations, bilateral ties, and other issues of mutual interest to the Parties.

  • Intensifying the dialogue and cooperation between the Parties, within the framework of the UN and other multilateral international forums, including the WTO, on matters relating mainly to the Parties’ common interests.  

  • Promoting cooperation and exchanges in the economic, financial, technological, and scientific and technical areas.  

  • Promoting cultural exchanges.

    • In order to fulfill these tasks, the Protocol provides for a series of activities, such as the regular follow-up of the status of relations between the Parties, reinforced cooperation on the international scene, consultations on matters of mutual interest and the exchange of experiences with regard to economic reforms, foreign policy and regional integration. .

    Other activities indicated include mutual support for the organization of conferences, seminars and events; the exchange of experts in specific sectors; the adoption of environmental conservation measures; interaction in the struggle against illegal drug trafficking and in efforts to control corruption; and the prevention of and fight against the smuggling of pieces and goods belonging to the Parties’ cultural, historical and archeological heritage, among others.

    The First Meeting of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism was held in Moscow in May 2004. At that time, the Andean Community expressed its interest in establishing links with the Russian Federation in areas such as the fight against terrorism, the worldwide drug problem, illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and corruption; environmental conservation; and natural disaster prevention and relief. The Parties agreed to conduct a technical study of those proposals in order to identify mutually acceptable forms of cooperation.