The Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, arrived in Saint Petersburg this Sunday as part of an official visit to Russia, invited by his counterpart Vladimir Putin.
The arrival took place at 1:50 p.m. (local time) at Pulkovo International Airport, where he was received with honors by the governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov.
During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries and the traditional Guantanamera echoed, while young Russian women offered bread and salt, a typical gesture of welcome in the local culture.
“I feel at home,” expressed Díaz-Canel, accompanied by his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza. The official visit is part of two key commemorations: the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism in World War II and the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Russian Federation.
The Cuban delegation is comprised of the Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla; Emilio Lozada García, head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba; and Oscar Pérez-Oliva, Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, among other high-ranking officials.
According to the Presidency of Cuba, the visit's program includes tours of scientific centers related to strategic sectors such as biotechnology, energy, and artificial intelligence, with an agenda aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas for the development of the Island.
Both nations are advancing a common Roadmap to deepen economic and trade ties through the implementation of a Bilateral Economic Agenda and a Framework Agreement that encourages Russian investment in joint projects in Cuba. These actions are part of a joint Development Plan that extends to the year 2030.
The visit not only responds to official commemorations but also reflects a deepening of the political and economic dependence of the Cuban regime on Moscow. In a context of energy crisis and international isolation, the Cuban government seeks in Russia a strategic support to sustain its weakened economy.
In recent months, Russia has granted multi-million dollar loans to Cuba, including a loan of 60 million dollars for the purchase of fuel and an additional donation of 2 million for the repair of the national energy system.
This approach also has geopolitical implications. The Cuban regime has avoided publicly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has supported Moscow's positions in multilateral organizations.
Díaz-Canel's visit to Russia, amid the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, is an opportunity to showcase the closeness between both governments and to consolidate an alliance that, far from being merely symbolic, has concrete implications for Cuban foreign policy.
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