Both leaders expressed their satisfaction given the excellent state of bilateral relations and the strength of ties shared by the two peoples and governments.

They also noted progress being made on the economic-commercial front and agreement on the main topics of the international agenda.

During the meeting, Russia likewise reaffirmed its unconditional support for Cuba’s struggle for the lifting of the blockade.

(Granma)

During the fraternal meeting, the two leaders discussed the excellent relations of friendship shared by their peoples, parties, and governments, and expressed the will to continue strengthening party and bilateral ties.

Accompanying the distinguished visitor were Yuri I. Borísov, vice president of the Russian Federation government, and Andrey A. Guskov, the country’s extraordinary plenipotentiary ambassador in the Republic of Cuba.

On the Cuban side, also participating were José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party Central Committee, and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs, both members of the Political Bureau.

(Granma)

During his stay, the distinguished guest will hold official talks with the President of Cuba´s Councils of State and Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and undertake a variety of other activities.

(CubaMinrex-Granma)

During his stay, the distinguished guest will hold official talks with the President of Cuba´s Councils of State and Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and undertake a variety of other activities.

(CubaMinrex-Granma)

The results of this collaboration are palpable, Álvarez stated, as evidenced by the recent approval of the first Cuba-Russia joint enterprise which will produce composite construction materials.

“When the investment process is concluded, following the approval of Teccomp Caribe, S.A. – which will require approximately one year – and then the construction of the plant in the Mariel Special Development Zone, we will have a way to reduce imports to the island,” he reported.

The Teccomp Caribe, S.A. facility, with modern technology installed, will provide a stable supply of bars and netting composed of glass fiber, to complement the customary use of steel in construction. Among the advantages of these materials are their durability, resistance, light weight, and anti-corrosive properties, Álvarez added.

The new joint venture is the result of a partnership between the Cuban state enterprise Siment Aut S.A and the Russian company United Composite Technologies. The general directors of both entities described the collaboration as very valuable, with the introduction of new technology and software, in addition to the positive social impact.

According to Siment Aut experts, with the constitution of this enterprise, production for export to the Caribbean will also be promoted.

We oppose the extraterritorial policy of the United States government and will not allow this to hamper the alliance between Cuba and Russia, even if it means sanctions for our country. We will maintain the friendship that our countries have shared since the days of the Soviet Union, concluded the Russian Federation’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Vasiliy Sergeevich Osmakov.

(Granma)

It’s bad enough to be so reckless with such dangerous rhetoric. But when this is all accomplished through the shoddiest of “reporting” – mindlessly repeating what anonymous intelligence officials tell journalists to say without a whiff of evidence – then it’s clear that the same journalistic pathologies that led to front-page reports of Saddam’s nuclear stockpile and alliance with Osama bin Laden continue to shape corporate journalism today, particularly at NBC and MSNBC.

(Source:theintercept.com)

Greetings from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, were conveyed by President Díaz-Canel to the leader of this sister nation.

Following the private meeting between the two delegations, the two heads of state signed a joint statement on common positions in the international arena, reflecting the two governments’ high level of agreement on bilateral and global issues. Aspects of the political, economic, and social situation were addressed, as well.

“We propose increasing economic, commercial, and financial ties with the Russian Federation to the excellent level of our political relations,” Díaz-Canel commented to the press, in attendance for the occasion.

“Joint economic projects in the sectors of energy, transportation, metallurgy, and biotechnology are key to our plans for economic development, and still bear great potential,” he indicated.

Díaz-Canel described the talks with President Putin as useful, adding, “They allowed us to confirm the excellent state of bilateral relations.”

He recalled Putin’s productive 2014 visit to Cuba, and noted, “The high level exchanges have been consolidated and broadened,” reflecting the priority which both countries give to these bilateral relations and the intention to continue developing them.

“We are pleased with the level of agreement regarding different issues on the international agenda, particularly the defense of peace and the role of international institutions,” he stressed.

This visit, he said, has great significance for Cuba, “A visit, above all, to convey that within our concept of the continuity of the Cuban Revolution, true to the legacy of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, also present is the continuity and ongoing strengthening of relations between Cuba and Russia.”

Evoking the deep friendship shared by the two peoples for years, he stated, “I am sure that these conversations will mark a milestone in the development of our relations.”

He recalled that, precisely upon his arrival in Russia, “the first country to support Cuba in confronting the blockade,” the delegation received news of the UN victory, “giving the visit a special meaning.”

The Cuban President added, “I believe that at times chance historical coincidences also mark very important moments for everyone.”

He thanked the Russian government for its firm position against the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade, and went on to emphasize the willingness expressed by President Putin to support the economic updating process underway in Cuba, reflected in the effective participation of the Russian government and enterprises in sectors of key importance to our development plans through 2030 and beyond.

Lastly, he reiterated the invitation to President Putin to make an official visit to Cuba next year, five years after his last trip to the island.

In his remarks, the Russian leader referred to “the holding of negotiations in a constructive, efficient, friendly manner,” which he stated, is “characteristic of talks between Russia and Cuba. Our peoples are traditionally united by ties of friendship, affection, mutual respect, and solidarity.”

He continued saying that the two leaders had assumed the responsibility to “adopt concrete measures to increase trade and expand cooperation in the area of investments,” emphasizing positive experiences in energy, industry, pharmaceuticals, and transportation, including the modernization of Cuba’s railroad system.

“We are ready to support the training of highly qualified Cuban professionals in different fields,” he stated.

He recognized Cuba as a popular destination for Russian tourists, with thousands visiting the island last year.

Referring to the regional and international agenda, Putin reaffirmed the similar visions of the two governments on the majority of key issues, confirming the mutual interest in continuing to coordinate actions in the international arena.

“Russia and Cuba have always advocated for adherence to all key principles of international law established in the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and interests of all states, and the inadmissibility of the use of force, as well as the imposition of unilateral sanctions, and interference in the domestic affairs of a country,” he recalled.

The Russian head of state likewise stressed the country’s intention to expand dialogue with regional organizations and integration associations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A highlight of the day was the conviction of both countries, reaffirmed by President Putin, that “What was agreed upon here will promote cooperation and our ties.”

A FRATERNAL MEETING

November 2 in Moscow was as busy as his days in Cuba for President Díaz-Canel, with several bilateral meetings taking place.

The Russian Federation State Duma – the lower house of the Russian legislature – was the first meeting place, where he held talks with Viacheslav Volodin, chairman of this body. Cuba is grateful to the Duma for several resolutions it has adopted against the U.S. blockade, and others calling for the freedom of our Five Heroes and supporting many other causes.

Díaz-Canel described the meeting in a tweet as another good opportunity to strengthen parliamentary relations.

It was, in fact, Viacheslav Volodin who led the Russian Federation delegation that joined Cubans to mourn the death of Fidel. He spoke in the Plaza de la Revolución at that time, saying, “Fidel has become a symbol of the struggle of many peoples, a struggle that culminated in success. We have the duty to recall that it is thanks to him that Cuba has been able to preserve the most valuable asset any state can have: its independence.

“Fidel’s contribution to the establishment and development of relations between Russia and Cuba is immense. Despite the distances that separate us, despite the problems we have faced, we have been, are, and will be united.”After this meeting came one with Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. A fraternal encounter which served to strengthen the relations that unite this Party and ours.

Around noon, Díaz-Canel was received in the headquarters of the parliament’s upper chamber, the Federation Council, by its speaker Valentina Matviyenko, who welcomed the Cuban President and his delegation saying, “Russia has always held cordial feelings toward the glorious people of Cuba and we will be close forever.”

Díaz-Canel responded saying that her words were very much appreciated, “since we know they come from someone who loves Cuba and has shown this during her efforts leading the Federation Council,” adding, “Russia continues to be a beloved land and we consider the Russian people a sister people.”

A REQUIRED TRIBUTE OUTSIDE THE KREMLIN

“Your name is unknown, your achievement immortal,” reads the granite plaque alongside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in Moscow, a few meters from the Kremlin’s walls, visited by President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and the delegation accompanying him on his international tour.

This is a required tribute, a solemn walk in reverence to history, to the heroism of Soviet soldiers who gave their lives in the struggle against fascism in WWII.

The delegation advanced in front of exquisitely uniformed soldiers, as a somber melody was played, evoking memories of the war’s feats and battles, to honor the honorable, courageous men who made history,

First a floral wreath was placed by the President alongside the monument, then came a moment of silence, and finally, once again the notes of Cuba’s national anthem were heard in Moscow.

Thus, as the monument’s eternal flame flickered in the centre of a bronze star, the emotion erased awareness of the frigid temperatures the delegation had experienced throughout their days in this sister nation.

The Honor Guard marched away, and then the President and his delegation retired as well. As they left, in the background the notes of the July 26 Movement March could be heard, and once again everyone was moved, reminded of the deep ties that unite our people. This visit to an emblematic site was another demonstration of that friendship.

(Granma)

On this occasion, more than 15 companies affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade are exhibiting at the ExpoCuba fairgrounds, aspiring to broaden bilateral collaboration and contribute to strengthening economic relations between the two countries.

RUSSIA-LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN BUSINESS FORUM

Cooperation between Russia, Latin America and the Caribbean is being modernized and diversified with new projects that contribute to the development of national economies, as was made apparent during the First Business Forum focused on Russia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, held on the first day of FIHAV 2018.

According to Yuri I. Borisov, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, the Fair is an ideal opportunity to consolidate new projects between his country and Latin American nations. He commented that the region is important to Russia, and that in 2017, commerce had reached 14.5 billion dollars.

“We advocate for political and economic stability in Latin America. Interest on the part of Russian companies is constantly growing and we hope to increase our presence and incorporate long-term business models, that offer competitive advantages in the world market,” he said.
Borisov added that Russia is looking to encourage dialogue and develop joint national commissions, as key tools to finding new niches in the market.

To date, Russia has signed memoranda of understanding with Cuba, Ecuador, Chile, and the regional group Mercosur.
INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION WITH CUBA

During the Business Forum, Orlando Hernández Guillén, president of Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, recalled the long relationship shared by Cuba and Russia, expressing confidence that the two countries are in a good position to revitalize and broaden ties.

“Russia is a strategic partner for Cuba, and is present in decisive sectors of our economy. Projects are underway in the fields of energy and transportation, and projected is the export of biotechnological products from the island,” he said.

To accomplish these objectives, our country has updated its body of law in line with the development of foreign investment on a world level, he said, and is projecting a broad bilateral agenda that includes strengthening relations with Russia.

To date, the country’s main projects in Cuba are in infrastructure, especially the railroad industry, which has allowed for improved logistics, better cargo transportation, and investments in the industry and tourism.

According to Yuri I. Borisov, long-term contracts have been signed worth billions of euros, which will have a significant impact on Cuba’s economy.

RUSSIAN DELEGATION TO FIHAV

Addressing Russia’s presence at the Fair, Aleksey Lyutinskiy, head of the country’s office of international expositions (Expocentre), recalled that Cuba has a long history of economic relations with his country.

“Given its market and culture, in addition to the traditional relations that unite us, Cuba has always been a clear objective, with a high profile for us. Years ago, there were a multitude of companies here, and today contracts and relations with these entities are being revitalized,” he stated.

Lyutinskiy commented that, in his experience as an organizer of fairs, FIHAV is very well organized, and that Russian companies in attendance are very pleased. The interest of Cuban institutions has been palpable, he said, and those coming for the first time have felt very well cared for.

Ties between Cuba and Russia date back to the first years of the Revolution, when bridges of cooperation were built with the former Soviet Union. In the 1990s, the relationship deteriorated with the fall of the socialist camp in Europe, but over the last several years, the two countries have made an effort to recuperate their historic ties of cooperation.

(Granma)

Confirmed during the meeting were the excellent relations shared by the two countries’ governments, parliaments, and peoples. Cabrisas, who heads the Cuba-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, recalled his recent visit to Moscow and talks held with authorities and business people in different sectors of the economy.

During the conversation, highlighted was the support Russia has provided to restoration of the Capitolio’s dome, as well as the role played by the Russian Federation Council and its President Valentina Matvienko, and Kalashnikov himself, in the project.

Senator Kalashnikov was accompanied by several delegation members, in addition to Sergei Reshchikov and Andrey V. Mitrafanov, Minister Councilor and First Councilor, at the Russian embassy in Havana, respectively.

Also participating on the Cuban side were Yolanda Ferrer Gómez, president of the National Assembly of People’s Power International Relations standing committee; Emilio Lozada García, director general for bilateral relations at the Foreign Ministry; and Inalvis Bonachea González, director of Commercial Policy with Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment.

(Granma)

He spoke with Granma International at the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP) during the celebration of his country’s national day, June 12, when concerts, dance performances, and conferences on Russian culture, language, and scientific contributions are held around the world.

Kamynin emphasized that, over the last ten years, bilateral ties between the two countries continued to be consolidated, based on friendship and multi-faceted cooperation in a broad range of areas including transportation, science, biotechnology, medicine, technological transfer, and tourism.

Both nations confer special importance on their agenda for economic, commercial, and scientific-technical cooperation, with the signing of specific agreements to be implemented through 2030, mechanisms that reflect a strategic projection for the present and future of the ties established.

“The Russian Federation’s foreign policy is based on respect for international law, non-intervention in domestic affairs, the peaceful solution of conflict, and the creation of a more just system of economic and financial relations internationally,” the diplomat stated, while he described Cuba as “The island of liberty.”

Kamynin likewise emphasized that his country will continue supporting Cuba’s demands for an end to the unjust economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than five decades, and for the return of territory illegally occupied by the U.S. Naval base in Guantánamo.

“Russia and Cuba have taken the same position on the crisis in Syria; both are in favor of a peaceful solution, without external pressures,” the diplomat said, while insisting that cooperation between the two countries on the international scene is important to the defense of peace and international security.

He went on to comment that tasks facing President Vladirmir Putin’s administration, re-elected this past March for another six-year term, include strengthening democracy, modernizing the economy as the foundation of a technological revolution, and improving the population’s quality of life.

“The economic situation in Russia is stable and pretty good, despite sanctions imposed by the West. Thanks to preventative measures adopted by the government, including the replacement of imports (with domestic products), my country has been able to minimize the negative consequences of the international economic and financial crises,” he said.

Russia is the world’s largest country, extending over 17,045,400 square kilometers, and has a population of over 143 million inhabitants, and a consolidated economy, which have made it a world power, also respected by its adversaries for its military might.

Averaging more than 10 million barrels of oil a day in 2017, the country has become one of the world’s largest producers, and has a developed mining industry that produces diamonds, iron, nickel, silver, gold, and tin, while also possessing 22% of the planet’s timber reserves, occupying first place internationally in wooded land.

The Russian diplomat said that he plans to return regularly to Cuba as a tourist, since during the ten years he has worked here, he hasn’t had the time to enjoy the island’s beauty, and that he will always remember the Cuban people and the many sincere friendships he has established.

(Granma)