The Federation Council Speaker has met with President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez
A meeting has taken place between Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko and President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.
“Russia and Cuba remain true allies and friends. We appreciate the privileged bilateral interaction, which gradually progresses and is not affected by fleeting political interests,” Valentina Matvienko said. She expressed confidence that the Cuban delegation's visit to the Federation Council will give additional impetus to the process of expanding and deepening the entire range of Russian-Cuban relations.
Valentina Matvienko praised the level of strategic partnership reached by the two countries, and noted that Russian parliamentarians think highly of Cuba's independent foreign policy and have always advocated the lifting of the US sanctions against Cuba. “We are in close contact during our work at various international platforms and coordinate our activities. This only strengthens our positions.”
The Federation Council Speaker also touched upon Russian-Cuban economic cooperation. “Russian businesses are interested in working in Cuba. We have to work together for faster implementation of various bilateral projects,” she emphasised.
She also noted that Russian MPs provide assistance to a number of projects. “The work to facilitate the restoration of the National Capitol Building in Havana, the assistance in creating more favourable financial conditions for Cuban students at Russian universities, and joint projects in healthcare are good examples.”
During the meeting, Valentina Matvienko talked about the opening of the Russian State Museum branch in Havana and the holding of the Days of St Petersburg ahead of the celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary of the Cuban capital.
Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez noted that Russia remains a fraternal country for Cuba, confirmed the Cuban authorities’ intention to continue the policy of strengthening bilateral relations, and expressed willingness to assist in promoting inter-parliamentary links.
He praised Russia's role on the international arena and its efforts to contribute to forming a multipolar world, and thanked Russian parliamentarians for supporting the lifting of the economic blockade of Cuba by the United States. The Cuban President condemned the Western countries' attempts to put pressure to bear on Russia.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez noted the high level of political, trade, economic and parliamentary links between the two countries, and spoke in favour of boosting the strategic partnership and expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Current Russian-Cuban projects include interaction in the energy, transport, scientific and technical, and cultural and educational spheres.
“Our relations are comprehensive and involve all areas of activity,” he said.
Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez invited Valentina Matvienko to visit Cuba.
The meeting was also attended by Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security Viktor Bondarev, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of Federation Council Committee on Agriculture and Food Policy and Environmental Management Alexei Mayorov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy and member of the friendship group of the Federation Council and National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Igor Kagramanyan, and member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs and member of the friendship group of the Federation Council and National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Olga Timofeyeva.