The Russian Minister of the Interior, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, began an official visit to Cuba on Monday with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation and coordination in the fight against crime, set against a backdrop of intense diplomatic activity between the two countries.
Kolokoltsev was received at José Martí International Airport by his Cuban counterpart, Army Corps General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, and by the Russian ambassador in Havana, Víctor Koronelli, according to Russian diplomatic sources.
The Russian Embassy in Cuba noted that the program includes bilateral meetings and commemorative activities related to the island's history.
As part of the agenda, the Russian Minister of the Interior paid tribute on January 20 to the Soviet Internationalist Soldier at his mausoleum in Havana, where he laid a floral offering before the eternal flame.
The event was attended by Cuban authorities, high-ranking military officials, members of the Russian delegation, and representatives from the accredited diplomatic corps on the island, according to the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The Mausoleum of the Soviet Internationalist Soldier was inaugurated in 1978 and is one of the main official symbols of the historical relations between Cuba and the former Soviet Union.
During the day, Kolokoltsev is also expected to pay tribute to the 32 Cubans who died on January 3 in Venezuela, according to the state media.
The visit of the Russian minister occurs just a few days after President Vladimir Putin publicly reaffirmed Moscow's support for the Cuban government. From the Kremlin, the leader emphasized cooperation in sectors such as energy, transportation, and medicine, and stated that Russia will continue to provide assistance to Havana, according to statements reported by international agencies.
This trip also coincides with a moment of adjustments in Russian foreign policy towards Latin America. The Kremlin recently confirmed that Putin does not plan to communicate in the short term with the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the onset of a transition phase in that country.
So far, Cuban and Russian authorities have not provided additional details about the specific agreements that may arise from the visit, which is taking place in a clearly institutional and protocol-driven manner.
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