The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, received this Friday in Havana the vice president of Russia, Dimitri Chernyshenko, whom he thanked for his visit in the “difficult times the country is going through,” according to the island’s Presidency.
“We come to help,” said the senior official of the Russian Executive to the Cuban president, who announced the granting to the island of a loan for 60 million dollars to Cuba and a donation to purchase fuel and spare parts for energy equipment.
Chernyshenko participated in the meeting of the intergovernmental commission for economic, commercial and scientific-technical collaboration, which he headed together with the Cuban deputy prime minister, Ricardo Cabrisas.
Both parties especially addressed investment projects in key lines of their bilateral collaboration until 2030 and signed eight new agreements, which were not detailed, according to official media reports.
They also examined issues of bilateral interest in the economic-financial, energy, transportation, agriculture, sugar industry, science, technology, innovation and tourism areas.
Cabrisas highlighted “the shared intention to strengthen and extend economic and collaborative relations” between both nations.
For his part, Chernyshenko highlighted the “strong work” carried out by the intergovernmental commission, at the level of the different ministries, organizations, and also businessmen to develop bilateral relations.
During the commission session, the Russian vice president reported that the Government of his country granted a credit of 60 million dollars to the island for the purchase of 80,000 tons of fuel.
In addition, he explained that an aid donation worth two million dollars has been allocated for the delivery of repair parts and components for the energy system through the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Chernyshenko arrived in Havana from Venezuela accompanied by a delegation that included the first deputy minister of Industry and Commerce, Vasili Osmakov, the director of the Department of Public Debt and State Financial Assets of the Ministry of Finance, Denis Mamonov, and directors of the Ministries of Economic Development and Foreign Affairs.
His visit coincides with the serious effects caused by the recent impact of Hurricane Rafael, category 3, which last Wednesday affected the western region of Cuba – including Havana – where it left extensive damage, including the total disconnection of the National Electrical System ( SEN).
The Cuban SEN is in a very precarious situation, which causes prolonged daily blackouts, due to the lack of fuel – a result of the lack of foreign currency to import it – and the frequent breakdowns in its obsolete thermoelectric plants, with more than 40 years of operation. and a chronic investment deficit.
In mid-October, a breakdown caused another total blackout in Cuba that lasted three days. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian was also responsible for completely collapsing the system for about a week.
Havana and Moscow have strengthened their historic political, military and economic relations in recent years.
Havana / EFE
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**Interview with Diplomacy Expert Dr. Elena Mikhailova on Recent Cuba-Russia Relations**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mikhailova. Recently, we saw the Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel meeting with Russian Vice President Dimitri Chernyshenko. Can you shed some light on the significance of this meeting?
**Dr. Mikhailova**: Thank you for having me. This meeting is quite significant as it underscores the deepening ties between Cuba and Russia, especially during what Cuba describes as “difficult times.” The $60 million loan and donations for fuel and spare parts signal Russia’s ongoing support for Cuba’s economy, which is critical given the current challenges they face.
**Interviewer**: The two countries signed eight new agreements during this meeting. What areas do these agreements typically focus on, and why are they important?
**Dr. Mikhailova**: The agreements usually cover a range of areas including energy, agriculture, and technology, which are vital for Cuba’s development. By focusing on these sectors, both countries aim to enhance their economic collaboration until at least 2030. Such cooperation can lead to significant improvements in infrastructure and economic resilience for Cuba.
**Interviewer**: Given the historical context of Cuba-Russia relations, how does this partnership reflect broader geopolitical trends?
**Dr. Mikhailova**: Historically, Cuba and Russia have been allies, especially during the Cold War. However, with the rise of global multipolarity, this partnership is being revived in response to shifting power dynamics. Both nations are looking to enhance their influence in their regions, and by cooperating, they are not only bolstering their economic positions but also sending a message of solidarity against Western policies.
**Interviewer**: How do you think the current international landscape affects this relationship?
**Dr. Mikhailova**: The current international landscape, marked by trade tensions and geopolitical rivalries, has certainly motivated countries like Cuba and Russia to fortify their alliances. The U.S. sanctions on Cuba and Russia’s increasing isolation from the West due to various conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine, have driven them closer together. They view this partnership as a way to counteract external pressures.
**Interviewer**: what do you foresee for the future of Cuba-Russia relations?
**Dr. Mikhailova**: I believe we will see a continued strengthening of their relationship, marked by more economic and cultural exchanges. With both countries committed to enhancing their collaboration, there is potential for increased investment and joint ventures that could benefit both economies. However, the success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on the ability to navigate external challenges together.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Mikhailova. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
**Dr. Mikhailova**: Thank you for having me.
