MOSCOW, October 8 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is interested in taking part in regular political dialogue with integration institutions in Latin America, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference after meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Rafael Ramirez Wednesday.
"We are interested in the formation of a regular mechanism of political dialogue and cooperation within the framework of CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States]," the foreign minister said.
He added that Russia "welcomes the proactive role of Venezuela in promoting integration processes in Latin America" and appreciates its significant contribution to the development of relations between Russia and the new institutions.
Lavrov said that the two countries will continue working on practical cooperation projects.
Venezuela is the second-largest trade and economic partner of Russia in Latin America after Brazil. Russian companies such as Gazprom, Rosneft and Lukoil are currently working in Venezuela.
