Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed participants in the first Russia-Cuba high-level business dialogue at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“Our countries are connected by strong, enduring and friendly ties. President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez have emphasised the importance of strategic partnership on many occasions. It has only grown stronger over the recent years.
Diplomatic, cultural, trade and economic relations have been effectively developing. The mutual trade has increased by more than 13 percent. Over the past year alone, we have achieved impressive results in tourism, agribusiness, and education.
A record 160,000 Russian tourists visited Cuba, while the number of Cubans who visited Russia also increased by 50 percent. Supplies of Russian-made cars to Cuba have resumed. A project to process Russian wheat at a Cuban flour mill is being successfully implemented. Cooperation in healthcare, education and science is expanding. We have launched joint projects on experience exchange in medicine, and a Centre for Targeted Training of Energy and Electronics Specialists has been operating.
Our strategic partnership in various areas will continue to develop. That is why the St Petersburg Forum is an excellent platform for strengthening cooperation and searching for new common ground.
I am sure that our joint efforts will help us achieve great success for the benefit of Russian and Cuban economies. Friends, I wish you fruitful work and productive dialogue on the forum sidelines,” Deputy Prime Minister said.
During the event, the parties discussed tourism development in Cuba, including its digitalisation, as well as restoring of the sugar industry, achieving Cuba’s food independence, and many other issues.
