Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation
Dmitry Chernyshenko meets with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation
Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, meets with Dmitry Chernyshenko
Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God during his trip to Cuba
Dmitry Chernyshenko’s working meeting with the Dean of the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Cuba
Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation
During his working visit to Cuba, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a meeting with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, the Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The meeting focused on key areas of bilateral collaboration. Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted Russia’s commitment to assist Cuba in recovering from the recent hurricane that devastated the national power grid.
“As President of Russia Vladimir Putin said, we do not leave our friends to fend for themselves. As instructed by him, we have come here on a humanitarian mission. Russia is prepared to offer substantial assistance to fraternal Cuba in response to the current challenges facing the island’s energy sector. This aid includes approximately 80,000 tonnes of diesel fuel valued at $60 million, allocated by the Russian Government to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for at least two months. Experts from the Ministry of Energy, the Rosseti power company and the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief have joined our delegation and are already collaborating with local authorities to determine further aid requirements. We have also compiled a list of essential equipment needed for restoring the country’s power grid. It is clear that the republic requires our support, and Russia will do everything possible to assist it in overcoming the effects of this disaster,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The co-chairs of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission acknowledged the importance of investment collaboration in accordance with bilateral agreements, including the roadmap and a plan for expanding cooperation until 2030. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz pointed out economic challenges related to the consequences of natural disasters and the US-imposed economic embargo. He also emphasised the resilience of the Russian economy in the face of external aggression.
“We welcome the concluding declaration of the BRICS summit in Kazan, which advocated for granting BRICS partner country status to Cuba and several other nations. We have faith in the successful performance of BRICS, which is currently chaired by Russia,” Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz said.
Russia is committed to enhancing cooperation with Cuba in the field of energy, industry and agriculture. This includes the modernisation of a local refinery, the construction of solar panel farms, the upgrade of iron and steel works, and initiatives to develop the agricultural sector, such as wheat and fertiliser deliveries.
Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that efforts are underway to assemble motor vehicles and establish e-vehicle charging facilities in Cuba.
Moskvich taxicabs are set to begin transporting passengers in Cuba as part of an exciting long-term joint transportation project. Moscow is prepared to supply the first 50 vehicles for trial purposes. Taxis Cuba Co. will serve as the project’s partner, with Havana providing a taxi pool. “We would like to thank Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin for supporting the project,” the Russian Deputy Prime Minister added.
In addition, the officials highlighted the successful development of partnership in the field of tourism. Russia currently operates scheduled flights to Cuba, resulting in a 6 percent increase in passenger traffic volumes from January to September 2024 compared to 2023. The parties are exploring the possibility of establishing an all-year-round tourism cluster focused on beaches in eastern Havana, with support from Tourism RF Corporation.
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz signed an addendum to a plan aimed at expanding key aspects of Russian-Cuban cooperation until 2030.
In his concluding remarks, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Cuban side for their warm reception and noted that the meeting was very productive. He expressed hope that all bilateral agreements would continue to be implemented and that preparations would be made for the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission next year.
During his visit to the republic, the Deputy Prime Minister also toured the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. He held a working meeting with the Church’s Dean and presented him with souvenirs from the Festival of Youth and Students for students of a Russian language school.
