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Cuba, and on this occasion the eastern city of Santiago, is once again becoming the stage for bilateral meetings with the Kremlin, amidst a growing dependence of the Cuban regime on Moscow.
On Friday night, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Russia, Dmitri Chernyshenko, landed at the International Airport of Santiago de Cuba, marking the beginning of an official visit that has been described as strategic by both parties.
The arrival was announced by the Embassy of Russia in Cuba, which shared images and details through its social media, in a gesture that highlights the communicational prominence of the Kremlin in the bilateral relationship.
"The plane with the Russian delegation has landed today at the Santiago de Cuba International Airport. Thus begins the visit of the Vice President of the Government Dmitri Chernyshenko to #Cuba, who will co-chair the XXII Meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation," stated the Russian diplomatic mission.
The delegation was welcomed by the Russian ambassador in Cuba, Víctor Koronelli, alongside leaders of the Cuban government such as the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva; the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia; and the provincial governor, Manuel Falcón Hernández. As part of the reception, a group of musicians performed traditional Cuban songs, enhancing the ceremonial tone of the event.
Chernyshenko's visit takes place in the context of the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone that, according to the Russian embassy, highlights the importance of consolidating the "strategic partnership" between Cuba and Russia, emphasized "repeatedly by the presidents of both nations."
In the XXII Meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission, agreements could be reached in sensitive areas such as energy, transportation, biotechnology, and tourism, sectors where Russia has gained ground following the withdrawal of European and Latin American investors.
In March 2024, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister participated in a bilateral meeting in Moscow with Cuban representatives. During this meeting, Chernyshenko announced the granting of a new loan to Cuba aimed at ensuring a stable supply of oil, petroleum products, wheat, and fertilizers, which are crucial for the Cuban economy.
In November of the same year, Chernyshenko visited Havana and announced Russia's willingness to supply 80,000 tons of diesel fuel, valued at 60 million dollars, as part of the assistance to address the severe energy crisis that Cuba is facing.
Additionally, during this visit, an additional credit of 65 million dollars for the purchase of fuel was granted, complemented by a donation of two million dollars intended for the acquisition of parts and components necessary to repair the national electrical system.
OTHER VISITS OF HIGH-RANKING RUSSIAN OFFICIALS TO CUBA IN 2024
February 2024: Serguéi Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Russian Foreign Minister Serguéi Lavrov arrived in Havana in February 2024, marking his ninth visit to the country since his appointment. During his stay, Lavrov reaffirmed Cuba as Russia's main ally in Latin America and the Caribbean, and held meetings with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
June 2024: Serguéi Tsivilov, Minister of Energy
In June, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilov met in Moscow with Cuban Vice Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz. Tsivilov expressed Russia's intention to assist in the reconstruction of the deteriorating Cuban electrical system, highlighting the importance of building new energy facilities and the involvement of Russian specialists in this process.
November 2024: Alexander Kurenkov, Minister of Emergency Situations
In November, General Raúl Castro received in Havana Lieutenant General Alexander Kurenkov, the Minister of Emergency Situations of Russia. This meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in response to natural disasters and energy crises that were affecting Cuba at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooperation between Cuba and Russia
What is the purpose of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernyshenko's visit to Cuba?
The main objective of Dmitri Chernyshenko's visit to Cuba is to co-chair the XXII Meeting of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Trade, and Scientific-Technical Collaboration. During this meeting, agreements are expected to be finalized in areas such as energy, transportation, biotechnology, and tourism, in an effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
How has Russia influenced the energy crisis in Cuba?
Russia has played a decisive role in the energy crisis in Cuba by providing technical, logistical, and financial assistance. This includes granting credits, supplying diesel fuel, and donating resources to repair the Cuban electrical system, which is facing severe deterioration.
What does the relationship between Cuba and Russia represent in the current context?
The relationship between Cuba and Russia has solidified into a strategic alliance amid Cuba's increasing dependence on Moscow. This is evident in the growing cooperation in key sectors such as energy, as well as the political support Russia provides to Cuba in international forums, which is crucial for the Cuban regime in the context of economic crisis and international isolation.
What role does the Russian company Zarubezhneft play in Cuba?
Zarubezhneft, a Russian state-owned company, plays a key role in the Cuban energy sector. It collaborates with CUPET on oil extraction and recovery projects, particularly in the Boca de Jaruco field, using advanced techniques to enhance crude oil production in Cuba, which is essential for reducing energy dependence on imports.
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