Havana, April 25 (RHC) -- Broadening cooperation with regional pro-integration forums like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is among priorities of Russia's foreign policy, according to a diplomatic source in Havana.

"We are interested and following closely the processes of integration in Latin America and specifically that of CELAC, where we participate as observers, told Prensa Latina the Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Cuba, Vadim Temnikov.

"Now we have well-established political consultation mechanisms, that were consolidated in 2004 with the aim of defending common stands at international forums, including mutual support for candidacies to UN bodies," said the Russian diplomat.

Delivering a lecture on his country's relations with Latin America, as part of the 11th Seminar on International Relations ISRI-2014, Temnikov defined three aspects needed to prop up the links with this region.

Firstly, Russia needs to broaden its presence in the Latin American market and go beyond traditional exports like fertilizers and machinery, he explained.

Secondly, Moscow must establish economic cooperation and investment links supported by the State, and thirdly, it will be necessary to change Russia's deep-rooted beliefs about what Latin America is, he commented.

Temnikov said Moscow's relations with Latin America are pragmatic and with no eagerness to compete with anyone for influence in the region, with whom they have longstanding cultural links.