Russia has identified Kerala as a promising partner for expanding cooperation in tourism, health care, high technology, investment and labour mobility, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said at a Russia Day reception hosted by Honorary Consul of the Russia Federation and the Director of Russian House Ratheesh C. Nair here on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Alipov said India occupies a special place in Russia’s foreign policy and that the strategic partnership between the two countries, founded on mutual trust and respect, would complete 80 years in 2027.

Highlighting Kerala’s longstanding people-to-people and cultural ties with Russia, the Ambassador said the State was well placed to contribute to a new phase of bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Alipov also spoke about the changing global order and the growing role of emerging economies in shaping international affairs. Referring to platforms such as BRICS, he said cooperation among developing nations was becoming increasingly important in addressing global challenges and promoting balanced economic growth.

The Ambassador noted that India and Russia had built successful partnerships in areas ranging from defence and space research to trade and education, and expressed confidence that new avenues of cooperation would continue to emerge in the years ahead.

In his remarks, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh underscored the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening India-Russia relations and expressed interest in establishing a twin-city partnership with a Russian city, subject to government approval.

The writer is an intern with The Hindu, Thiruvananthapuram.