Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a pleasure to welcome the Chairman of the Cuban State Council
and the Council of Ministers to Russia.
Let me note that this is Mr Diaz-Canel’s first official visit to Russia
since he assumed office as head of state.
We have held detailed talks, including with the participation of key
ministers, discussed the entire range of issues related to bilateral
cooperation and examined topical matters
on the international and regional agendas.
The atmosphere of the meeting was friendly,
businesslike and constructive.
This characterises the Russian-Cuban dialogue.
Our nations are linked by strong ties of many years of friendship,
mutual sympathy, respect, solidarity and support.
The joint statement we have just signed reaffirms the strategic
and allied relations between our counties.
Naturally, we gave a great deal of attention to economic cooperation.
Let me note that bilateral trade grew by 17 percent last year.
Of course, these are modest figures and volumes in absolute terms,
but we know what we need to do next.
This is why Mr Diaz-Canel and I have instructed the intergovernmental
commission, which had a regular meeting in Havana this week,
to outline concrete measures to increase bilateral trade
and expand investment cooperation.
We have accumulated positive experience in the energy industry.
Russia’s oil and petroleum product supplies make a weighty contribution
to the resources of the Cuban economy and guarantee energy security.
Russian energy companies successfully operate in Cuba.
Rosneft is conducting a geological survey on the Cuban continental
shelf and modernising the country’s refineries.
Zarubezhneft is developing a large offshore oil field.
Inter RAO is building four new energy units for a Cuban
thermal power plant.
There is mutually beneficial industrial cooperation.
Russian companies are involved in the technical refurbishing of Cuban
factories that produce metal and nickel products and nitrogen
fertiliser. We are cooperating on the production of innovative
on e-of-a-kind medications.
Russia is offering Cuba assistance in building transport
infrastructure facilities.
Today we talked about renovating the Cuban railway system,
which should triple passenger traffic and double cargo
shipments throughout the country.
We are preparing for the deployment of a Russian GLONASS
ground station in Cuba.
As a result, our Cuban partners will get access to extensive technical
capabilities for Earth remote sensing and satellite
and telecommunications services.
Overall, I would like to stress that Russian businesses are willing
to participate in the large-scale modernisation of Cuba’s
national economy. Specific projects will be discussed today during
President Diaz-Canel’s meeting with our leading business people.
Of course, we also covered the development of cultural
and humanitarian links.
Our plans include opening a branch of the Russian Museum in Cuba that
would become the first multi-purpose centre for learning the Russian
language, Russian arts and culture in Latin America.
I also want to mention that Russia is providing assistance in restoring
the gilt on the dome of the El Capitolio in Havana,
which houses the Cuban National Assembly.
We plan to complete the restoration by the 500th
anniversary of Havana next year.
We intend to continue to assist in the training of highly skilled Cuban
professionals in various fields.
As a reminder, about 30,000 Cubans have received higher
education in our country.
Currently, 250 Cuban citizens are studying at Russian universities.
Cuba has always been and certainly remains one of the most popular
destinations for Russian tourists.
Last year, about 100,000 Russians visited the republic.
In December, an updated intergovernmental agreement will take effect
establishing a simplified entry procedure on both sides,
simplifying mutual visa requirements.
When discussing the global and regional agenda,
the participants noted the proximity of the two countries’ positions
on the most important issues.
They also reaffirmed mutual interest in further
coordinating their joint steps on the world stage.
Russia and Cuba have always supported and continue to support strict
observance of the key principles of international law stipulated
in the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and interests
of all states, the unacceptability of power politics,
the use of unilateral sanctions and interference in internal affairs.
We agreed with our Cuban friends to deepen cooperation in the fight
against transnational organised crime, including in cyberspace,
illicit drug production and trafficking,
and other present-day challenges and threats.
Our Cuban friends fully share Russia’s commitment to deepening dialogue
with regional organisations and integration associations of South
America and the Caribbean and will provide us with
the necessary assistance.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Mr Diaz-Canel and all our Cuban
friends and colleagues for the substantive and productive discussion.
I am confident that the agreements reached today will help further
strengthen the friendly ties between Russia and Cuba.
Thank you.
President Putin, ladies and gentlemen,
For us, this visit symbolises the continuation
and continuity of the Cuban Revolution.
Being faithful followers of the legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel
Castro Ruz and Army General Raul Castro Ruz,
we maintain and constantly work to strengthen relations
between Cuba and Russia.
This alone accounts for the importance of this visit, which,
I am confident, will become a milestone in our relations.
Notably, yesterday, when we arrived in Moscow,
the capital of the country that stood up for Cuba from the first years
of the revolution, it was here that we learned the news of Cuba’s
victory at the UN, which makes this visit particularly important.
I think that coincidences in history occasionally pinpoint
moments that are important to everyone.
I had productive talks with Mr Vladimir Putin,
which were another confirmation of the great state
of bilateral relations.
We recalled with satisfaction Mr Putin’s productive visit to Havana
and our meaningful meetings, when I had the honour to greet him
at the airport upon his arrival in our country.
Since then, we have maintained and expanded our exchanges
at the highest level.
We noted the importance of bilateral relations
and the opportunities for further development.
We are very pleased with the numerous instances of shared vision
on international issues, especially with regard to protecting peace
and the role of international organisations,
as well as close cooperation at various international
platforms and organisations.
I am grateful for Russia's steadfast stance against the commercial,
economic and financial embargo,
which is causing damage to my country.
We plan to expand our trade and economic ties and bring them
to the high level that we enjoy in the political sphere.
Joint projects in energy, transport,
the steel industry and biotechnology have an important place in our
plans for economic growth and great potential.
I am grateful for President Putin’s willingness,
since the start of my mandate, to assist in promoting
Cuba’s industrial development.
This is realised in Russia's participation in Cuba’s socioeconomic
development projects until 2030 and beyond.
I reiterate the importance of the bonds of friendship that exist
between our countries, which form the foundation of bilateral
relations. The joint declaration that we signed envisages all aspects
of our relations in the economic, political and social spheres,
which Mr Putin also mentioned, and serves as confirmation
of our continued future relations.
I conveyed to President Putin the invitation by the Cuban government
and the people to come to our country on an official visit next year,
which marks the fifth anniversary of his previous visit
to our country in 2014.
Thank you.