Sao Paulo to host First Russia–Latin America Strategic Cooperation Forum

From 13 to 16 July 2026, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sao Paulo (ALESP) will host the First Russia–Latin America Strategic Cooperation Forum (CORAL 2026). The forum is organised with the support of the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund. TV BRICS will serve as the event's international media partner.

The forum will become the first global in-person platform of the Centre for Integration and Cooperation between Russia and Latin America (CICRAL). Representatives of the organisation's 11 national branches from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, Venezuela, Paraguay, Ecuador and Russia will take part in the event.

The forum will focus on the historical ties between Russia and the countries of Latin America, the emergence of a multipolar world order, issues of sovereignty, as well as prospects for cooperation in industry, technology, finance, energy, innovation, education and economic development. At the conclusion of the meeting, an Action Programme for the Development of Cooperation between Russia and the Countries of Latin America will be presented.

Representatives of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sao Paulo, the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund and the leadership of CICRAL will participate in the opening ceremony.

According to Luiza Calvette Costa, Director of CICRAL's Brazilian Branch, political scientist and holder of a Master's degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Brasília, relations between Russia and Latin America are acquiring strategic importance amid the emergence of a multipolar world.

"Relations between Latin America and Russia can no longer be regarded as a secondary or occasional agenda. They constitute a strategic pillar of global balance. [...] As the world transitions towards a multipolar order, our countries must play an active role on the global stage. CICRAL's work lays the foundation for public diplomacy to serve as an instrument of development, innovation and sovereignty for our peoples," she said.

The opening day of the forum will also feature the presentation of the Latin American compendium on strategic cooperation with Russia. The publication analyses Russia's cooperation with 12 countries across the region, grouped into three subregions: the Southern Cone, the Andean Region, and Central America and the Caribbean. The volume includes comparative studies of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation based on official statistics, international economic databases, diplomatic documents and original field research.

Founded in 2024, CICRAL now brings together representatives from 15 Latin American countries. The organisation promotes public diplomacy by strengthening cooperation among universities, civil society organisations, the productive sector, political leaders and representatives of the cultural sphere.