The Russian and Guatemalan presidents will discuss the expansion of economic ties, antidrug efforts and other issues on Monday, a Kremlin source said Sunday.
Russia-Guatemala trade in January-November 2009 was nearly $35 million. Russian exports include fertilizers, paper, cardboard, plastics and ferrous metals. Guatemalan imports include tobacco, coffee, fruit and nuts.
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom's three-day visit to Russia starts on Sunday. Talks are likely to also touch upon joint investment in various business projects. It is the first visit of a Guatemalan head of state to Russia in the history of Russian-Guatemalan relations, which dates back 65 years.
Guatemala has expressed interest in establishing cooperation with Russia in oil refining and mining, telecommunications, transport and tourism.
Alvaro Colom earlier said it would be a mistake for Guatemala or other Latin American countries to neglect relations and cooperation with such a prominent partner as Russia.
The leftist Guatemalan leader will meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday.
The presidents are expected to issue a joint statement and sign an agreement on the protection of joint investment, among other documents.
MOSCOW, March 21 (RIA Novosti)
