Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russia and Cuba signed mutually beneficial agreements in healthcare, education and geological exploration
Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia,
together with Ricardo Cabrisas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Trade and Foreign Investment of the Republic of Cuba, held the 21st meeting of
the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific
and Technical Cooperation at the International RUSSIA EXPO in Moscow.
"Cuba is a reliable ally of Russia. Russian President
Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized
the importance of developing strategic partnership between our countries.
Today's meeting confirms the course for strengthening Russian-Cuban
relations," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
During the plenary session of the commission, the parties
discussed the current state and prospects for the development of cooperation in
the field of bilateral trade and investment, industry, energy, transport,
tourism, construction, healthcare, agriculture, communications, customs,
science, education, culture and sports.
"We have a rhythmic and frank dialog with our Cuban
partners on the whole range of interaction in trade and economic, investment,
scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian spheres, — said Dmitry
Chernyshenko. — Over the past year we have done a great job in terms of
intensifying Russian-Cuban project activities. Projects in the industrial and
energy sectors form the traditional basis of our cooperation".
In turn, Ricardo Cabrisas noted that last year was a turning
point for Russian-Cuban cooperation. "The foundations were laid to ensure
effective participation of representatives of Russian business circles in the implementation
of the national plan of socio-economic development of Cuba until 2030 on a
mutually beneficial basis, — he said. — Today we are optimistic about the
future of relations between our countries. We are allies and strategic
partners. In recent years, our relationship has been significantly
strengthened. Nevertheless, we must not rest on our laurels. It is necessary to
achieve concrete results, taking into account the immediate needs of our
countries and the development prospects that we share."
The parties noted that last year an agreement was signed to
encourage domestic investors to participate in Russian-Cuban projects in Cuba. "This
allowed launching a new model of interaction between our countries in the
project-investment and trade and economic spheres. Over the past year, more
than 100 Russian companies from various sectors of the economy, such as heavy
industry, energy, banking, agriculture, information technology and others, have
joined the work in the Cuban direction, — emphasized Dmitry Chernyshenko. — We
offered our Cuban partners the best Russian practices of implementing
electronic systems of tax calculation and collection. Activities in this area
have already been included in the joint Plan for the development of key areas
of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere until 2030".
"As a result of joint work with Cuban partners, a new
contractual and legal framework was created, which laid the foundation for
expanding cooperation in various areas of interaction, — said Vladimir Ilyichev,
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia. — On the one hand, Russian
business was given preferences for work in Cuba, and on the other hand, the
potential for modernization of the Cuban economy and its subsequent
comprehensive development was laid".
The deputy minister also recalled that on the initiative of
the Russian Government, the Headquarters for the coordination and
implementation of Russian-Cuban investment projects was established on the
basis of VEB.RF.
"During the meeting of the working group on trade and
economic cooperation and priority projects, we reached an agreement on the
creation of a similar structure in Cuba, — said Vladimir Ilyichev. — To
optimize the process of investment projects implementation, the headquarters
has prepared a road map with a list of technical issues for Cuban
partners".
Within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission the
parties also noted successes in the tourism industry — in 2023 the number of
Russian tourists in Cuba amounted to 185 thousand people, which exceeded the
pre-pandemic level. At the same time, a full-scale launch of Mir cards
acceptance took place in Cuba.
Ricardo Cabrisas said that Cuba considers it necessary to
consider the possibility of issuing Mir cards by Cuban banks together with the
Russian Federation. "Now it is necessary to ensure the effective operation
of Mir cards in Cuba and jointly consider the possibility of issuing these
cards by Cuban banks."
Following the meeting, the parties signed five agreements in
various areas, including education, geological exploration and healthcare. The
meeting of the intergovernmental commission was attended by relevant Russian
and Cuban agencies, as well as companies implementing joint projects in various
areas of mutual interest.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important
achievements of the country gathered in one place. Throughout the Exposition,
cultural events, rich business and educational programs await the guests. The
expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and
public organizations are presented to the visitors. By order of the President
of Russia Vladimir Putin, the RUSSIA EXPO was extended until July 8, which is
the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity.
The integration of special military operation veterans into peaceful life and the interaction between regions and municipalities were discussed as part of the Forum "SMALL HOMELAND – THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA".
The second All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland – the Strength of Russia" is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA.