Ties with Russia at high point: Cuban president
Xinhua
1570241835000

HAVANA, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) - The political ties between Cuba and Russia are at a high point, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Thursday after holding talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

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Dmitry Medvedev (File photo: VCG)

In the current complex international situation, bilateral relations would be strengthened for the benefit of both peoples and governments, Diaz-Canel said during a press conference.

The Cuban president described his meeting with Medvedev as "fruitful," saying that they had reviewed the increased development of bilateral exchanges in all areas during 2019 and pointed out areas for improvement. He also announced he would make an official visit to Russia at the end of October.

The two countries signed nine bilateral agreements. Diaz-Canel said the signing of the agreements demonstrated both parties' willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation and complement the agreements signed during this year's 17th meeting of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission.

Diaz-Canel confirmed plans for Russia's involvement in Cuba's National Development Plan until 2030 in fields such as biotechnology, energy, industry, agriculture and transport.

He also thanked Russia for its opposition to the US embargo against Cuba and reaffirmed Cuba's condemnation of the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) towards Russian borders, as well as US sanctions against Moscow.

For his part, Medvedev said that the relationship between both countries "has a bright future," and that Cuba "can always count on the support of Russia" because "Cuba is Russia's most important partner in Latin America."

"The agreements signed are proof of this and speak for themselves," said the Russian prime minister.