Quito, October 2 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, known as CELAC, signed an agreement with the Russian Federation to create a permanent mechanism for political dialogue and cooperation aimed at promoting trade, investment and sustainable development.

The agreements was signed Tuesday by the foreign ministers of Russia and the member states of CELAC, a regional integration organization comprised of all the states in the Western Hemisphere with the notable exception of Canada and the United States. 
      
The establishment of cooperation mechanisms with Russia has been a long-standing priority for CELAC, which has also been pursuing greater cooperation with China.

In addition to the creation of a permanent mechanism for cooperation, the deal will also boost the exchange of experiences in areas such as science and technology, education, among others, with the goal of reducing poverty and inequality.

The deal also specifies “an increase in multilateral cooperation in support of the most vulnerable countries in the region, especially the least developed countries” with an eye toward sustainable development.