Honorary consuls from African and Latin American countries, which are not yet represented in St. Petersburg, will appear in the city in the near future. This was announced to journalists by the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Zapevalov, who took part in the international conference "Modern trends in consular activity in new geopolitical conditions."
"There are applications from African countries to establish the position of honorary consul. [...] I assure you, we will expand [the consular corps] involving Africa, involving Latin America," Zapevalov said, adding that this will happen – most likely – next year, "but maybe sooner."
According to him, interest from, in particular, African countries in expanding consular representation in Russia is a trend that had already emerged even before the Russia-Africa Summit, and the forum "Only [...] spurred on those countries that are not represented here."
Zapevalov recalled that on the eve of the second Russia-Africa Summit, which took place in the city on July 27-28, the "House of Africa North-West" was opened in St. Petersburg.
It was noted that the work of the new platform is aimed at creating a favorable atmosphere for mutual assistance and interaction among entrepreneurs, strengthening economic, cultural and political ties, facilitating the implementation of projects and initiatives, as well as exchange of experience in various fields.