Co-operation with Latin America and Caribbean Region

Q.
There are visible signs of the Latin American countries taking bold steps to consolidate their political and economic in­dependence. Recently, several issues have come up there which are of interest to the Non-aligned Countries, such as Panama's claim to its control over the Canal Zone, oil nationalization by Venezuela, establishment of a new organisation for economic co-operation among the Latin American countries, and the revocation of the ban on Cuba in the OAS. How does India view these developments severally and collectively?

A.
I am happy there is increasing awarenes in Latin America about the desirability of working closely with non-aligned and developing countries. India has always supported the idea of respect for the independence and sovereignty of all countries, big and small. We also favour strengthening the political and economic independence of non-aligned nations, including the right of every country to exercise sovereignty over its natural resources. By and large, the recent development in Latin America which you have mentioned are in accord with the interests of the people concerned and underline the correctness of the policies which we have been following towards this region.

Q.
The recent visits to our country by the Presidents of Mexico and Guyana have once again underlined India's deep interest in developing co-operation with the countries of Latin America. What are the points of convergence which assure that this co­operation will be fruitful and meaningful for our peoples?

A.
I am happy to note that India's relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have been developing in a satisfactory manner. I had the pleasure of visiting Cuba during the meeting of the Co-ordination Bureau and later paid an official visit to Guyana. More recently, in July the Presidents of Guyana and Mexico visited India. These visits were highly useful in strengthening understanding between the governments and increasing an awareness among the people of India and Latin America of the potentialities of co-operative action on bilateral and international issues.