Russia prioritizes restoring previous volumes of trade with Uruguay - deputy FM

MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - Russia considers restoring its trade and cooperation with Uruguay to previous levels a priority, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.

"Our today's priority is to restore the volumes of our bilateral cooperation, which have dropped for reasons not unknown, and to ensure its gradual development. We are glad that the Uruguayan leadership fully shares this resolve and has been demonstrating interest in the partnership with Russia in practice," Ryabkov said at the opening of a photo exhibition titled Gauchos and the authentic Uruguay.

The exhibition opens a series of cultural events meant to bring the two nations closer, Ryabkov said. The event was organized by the Russian Foreign Ministry ahead of a celebration in 2027 of the 170th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Moscow is satisfied with the dynamic of its work with Uruguay, regular meetings of the foreign ministers and the relaunch of a bilateral intergovernmental commission, he said.

"Uruguay's nature landscapes with open horizons and vast plains are reminiscent of the swathes of steppes in southern Russia. And I think you will agree with me that in the Gaucho image one can guess hints of the features of the Russian Cossack," Ryabkov said.

"Our daily customs, traditions of hospitality, family tea-drinking and the mate culture, of cooking meat on live fire are surprisingly similar," he said.

"Apparently, it is why, more than a century ago, the traditional Gaucho habitats became the center of attracting Russian migrants who founded the city of San Javier in the steppes of the Rio Negro Department. That way Uruguay echoes in our hearts despite the geographic remoteness. It evokes something kindred in the soul of a Russian person," Ryabkov said.