Russia and Nicaragua sign cooperation memorandum
MEXICO CITY. Oct 31 (Interfax) - Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Nicaragua's Armed Forces Commander General Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo have signed a memorandum of cooperation, the EFE news agency reported on Thursday.
"I am convinced that this memorandum will help further promote our relations and cooperation in military issues," Patrushev said at a meeting with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Managua.
He said that from now on, consultations between the Russian Security Council and representatives of Nicaragua's Armed Forces Command would be held regularly.
"They [consultations] will enable us to better coordinate our approaches to the main issues of international security," he said.
Patrushev also said at the meeting with Ortega that "today the Republic of Nicaragua is playing a leading role in Latin America."
"This is happening both thanks to [Nicaragua's] geographical location and the policies pursued by the government of this country," he said.
Patrushev also described Nicaragua as "an important ally and friend for the Russian Federation in Latin America."
"We see eye to eye on numerous issues. We highly value Nicaragua's decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states," he said.
Nicaragua's president, for his part, welcomed the results of his meeting with the visiting Russian delegation.
"We have always been working with the Russian Federation for the benefit of our people's peace, stability and security,' he said.
Ortega said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent him a letter, in which the Russian leader reaffirmed his "readiness to continue to work together with our country."
Ortega also supported Putin's peace initiative for Syria and reiterated the importance of further promoting ties between Nicaragua and Russia.
