Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russia and Cuba signed mutually beneficial agreements in healthcare, education and geological exploration

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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.