Moscow, Mar 3 — Bilateral relations between Russia and the Central American nation of El Salvador continue to develop well, said the Russian foreign minister upon meeting his Salvadoran counterpart on Friday.

Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Hugo Martinez Bonilla in the Russian capital, Moscow.

“Within three months we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of (Russian-Salvadoran) relations, and we reach this milestone with very good results,” said Lavrov, opening the meeting.

Relations have been bolstered by the recent introduction of visa waivers between the nations, Russia’s top diplomat said.

“It has already had a positive influence on the contacts between our citizens and our businessmen and, in general, the links between our countries,” he said.

Agreeing with Lavrov, Martinez said the nations’  bilateral relations have strengthened over time.

He said the agreements signed with Russia over the past 25 years have led to economic development and democratic consolidation in El Salvador.

The Salvadoran minister on Thursday presented business proposals detailing potential investment and trade deals with Russian businesses.

“Opportunities for bilateral investments in the gas sphere, in energy and pharmaceuticals were discussed at the meeting,” Martinez said. “Furthermore, we raised the issue of liquefied natural gas supplies and the expansion of fields in Salvador. Cooperation in the fisheries sector was also discussed. We have huge potential to develop fisheries in the Pacific,” he said.

Martinez’ entourage included Deputy Business Minister José Luis Merino; President of the Export Promotion Agency Sigfrido Reyes, and others.

They are due to hold several official meetings with Russian officials and business leaders during the visit. —EFE