Raúl Castro meets with the Russian Minister of Internal Affairs during his official visit to Cuba

Raúl Castro met this Tuesday in Havana with the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Vladímir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev, who is on an official visit to Cuba with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

According to official media such as Cubadebate and Granma, during the meeting “they exchanged views on the excellent bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cuba and their ongoing commitment to strengthen them.” In this context, Raúl Castro “conveyed warm greetings to President Vladimir Putin.”

In the meeting, Víctor Koronelli, the Russian ambassador in Havana, and other members of the Russian delegation accompanying the minister also participated. On the Cuban side, the member of the Political Bureau and Minister of the Interior, Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, and other heads of the mentioned organization were present.

The photographs published by official media show Castro and Kolokoltsev shaking hands and talking in a formal setting. The meeting is part of the agenda of the Russian official, who arrived in Cuba on Monday as part of a visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in security and internal order.

Hours earlier, Miguel Díaz-Canel also held talks with the Russian minister at the Palace of the Revolution. The leader described the visit as "of immense significance" due to "the moment in which it occurs" and expressed gratitude for "the sensitivity of the Russian Federation, the party, the government, the armed institutions, and yourself." He added that there is "understanding of our situation, and a willingness for assistance and cooperation."

Díaz-Canel also emphasized "the importance of the visit by the Russian Minister of the Interior and his colleagues to discuss the complex global situation, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, and specifically Cuba." For his part, Kolokoltsev expressed his "satisfaction at being back on the Island, where he has dear friends." The official had previously visited Cuba in November 2023.

The Russian minister was welcomed at José Martí International Airport by Álvarez Casas and Ambassador Koronelli. During his stay, he has participated in ceremonial and commemorative events, including a floral tribute at the Mausoleum of the Soviet Internationalist Soldier in Havana, a symbol of the historic relationship between the two countries.

Kolokoltsev's visit occurs just a few days after the public reappearance of Raúl Castro at the tribute to the 32 Cuban military personnel who died in Venezuela during the operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.