Russia’s return to playing a role in the politics of Latin America has been highlighted by a recent visit there by Moscow’s top diplomat. In what has been seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to resurrect its Soviet-era influence in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov went to Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba. During the Cold War, Nicaragua and Cuba were client states of Moscow, while serious attempts were made by the Russians to gain influence in Mexico and Guatemala.
Following his meeting with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who has helped rekindle the old flame between his country and Russia, Mr Lavrov announced that Moscow would provide military assistance to Managua to help combat drug trafficking and organised crime. He added that Russia and Nicaragua are “preparing joint military drills”.
In Mexico, Mr Lavrov attended the unveiling of a Russian language centre at the country’s National Polytechnic Institute. The Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinoza Castellano said: “To the government of our country, relations with the Russian Federation are of priority importance. Mexico regards Russia as one of the paramount figures in the international arena.”
Guatemala, which has begun to forge close military relations with Russia, was the next country Mr Lavrov visited. He and his Guatemalan counterpart signed an agreement which will see Russia provide the military means to enhance Guatemala’s fight against drug trafficking. Mr Lavrov said: “This [document] concerns exchanges of information, the training of personnel, the conduct of joint operations and the deliveries of special purpose equipment that is necessary for anti-narcotics operations.”
The last leg of Mr Lavrov’s tour of Latin America saw him visit Cuba. He met Cuban President Raul Castro and the Cuban foreign ministry said: “Both sides agreed to continue joint efforts in the formation of a fair multi-polar world order based on equality and respect for international laws.”
Washington will have paid careful attention to Mr Lavrov’s visit and be conscious that the Russian bear is becoming increasingly active in what it has always considered its sphere of influence.
