"Russia has already returned to Latin America, including Cuba," said Medvedev, who has toured Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba over the past week. (President Dmitry Medvedev in Latin America - Image Gallery)
The Russian leader said the energy component of his Latin American tour was particularly interesting, admitting that projects in Venezuela were the most advanced.
"From the point of view of the energy aspect, the trip was very interesting. Our projects in Venezuela are the most advanced," Medvedev said.
In Cuba, Medvedev and the Caribbean island's president, Raul Castro, held 90-minute talks behind closed doors that focused on ways to boost bilateral contacts.
The Russian president reiterated that contacts with Latin American countries were not aimed against any third countries.
"This is humanitarian, economic, energy and defense cooperation. This cannot be aimed against third countries," the Russian president said.
He also said Russia was not afraid of competition from other countries active in the region, including China and the United States.
"Our projects do not mean we are progressing in parallel with China and the United States in all issues. China has its own programs in the region, and the United States has its own projects. We have to prove that some of our projects are better," Medvedev said.
The Soviet Union enjoyed close economic and military ties with many Latin American states until the break-up of the U.S.S.R. in 1991.
In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to the brink of war when Soviet missiles were stationed in Cuba. The crisis was resolved after 12 days when the Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev, backed down and ordered the missiles removed.
